The recent violent clashes in Syria have resulted in over 70 fatalities, primarily involving government forces and al-Assad loyalists. This surge of violence is the worst since the removal of Bashar al-Assad in December by Islamist-led insurgent groups. The ongoing turmoil prompted security reinforcements in key cities, particularly Latakia, known for its Alawite support. Officials report that the clashes were initiated by ambushes during a security operation, highlighting a precarious security situation that the interim government insists against sectarian retribution even amid rising tensions.
The clashes started when government forces were ambushed by several groups of al-Assad aligned militias during a security operation in Latakia, according to the province's chief of security, Lieutenant Colonel Mustafa Kunaifati.
Colonel Hassan Abdul Ghani, a member of the defense ministry, delivered a warning to al-Assad loyalists in Latakia. "Thousands have chosen to surrender their weapons and return to their families... The choice is clear: lay down your weapons or face your inevitable fate."
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