Syria faces twin battles as Assad loyalists and ISIL attack in west, east

"The emergence of Saraya al-Jawad represents a shift from disorganised loyalist resistance to an organised rebellion in the coastal heartland, traditionally the stronghold of the al-Assad family. Formed in August 2025, the militia is reportedly loyal to Suheil al-Hassan, the brigadier-general who commanded the notorious Quwwat al-Nimr (Tiger Forces), an elite unit in the former regime's army."

"The Ministry of Interior accuses the group of carrying out a campaign of destabilisation, including assassinations, bombings, and targeting public celebrations. The crackdown in Latakia comes as the transitional government, which took power after the regime's collapse in December 2024, attempts to dismantle deep state armed cells."

"Clashes between Syrian internal security forces and a militia linked to the ousted government of Bashar al-Assad have left at least four people dead in the Alawite-majority coastal province of Latakia, marking a significant escalation in the new government's fight to stabilise a nation emerging from years of ruinous civil war."

Clashes erupted in Latakia's Jableh countryside between Syrian internal security forces and Saraya al-Jawad, a militia linked to former regime remnants, resulting in at least four deaths. The group, formed in August 2025 and reportedly loyal to former general Suheil al-Hassan, represents a shift from disorganized loyalist resistance to organized rebellion in the al-Assad family's traditional stronghold. The Ministry of Interior accuses the militia of destabilization campaigns including assassinations, bombings, and attacks on public gatherings. These clashes coincide with the transitional government's efforts to dismantle deep state armed cells following the regime's December 2024 collapse. Simultaneously, ISIL launched attacks in eastern Syria, further threatening the nation's fragile stability as it emerges from years of civil war.

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