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Intense Clashes Erupt in Northwest Syria as New Government Consolidates Power

In a significant escalation of violence, Syrian forces loyal to the newly established government in Damascus have engaged in fierce confrontations with remnants of the ousted Assad regime in the coastal region of northwestern Syria. The clashes, centered in Latakia province, have reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 13 soldiers, according to local state television reports.

In response to the escalating violence, authorities have imposed a curfew that will remain in effect until Friday morning. These encounters mark some of the most severe hostilities against groups affiliated with Syria’s previous Islamist government since the downfall of Bashar al-Assad last December.

The ongoing clashes are primarily occurring in coastal areas considered the heart of the Alawite community, historically a stronghold of the Assad family. Activists within the Alawite community have raised alarms over increased attacks and violence directed against them since Assad’s regime collapsed, particularly in the rural regions of Homs and Latakia.

State news agency Sana reported that significant military reinforcements are being mobilized towards the city of Jableh. Meanwhile, the Syrian-based Step news agency reported late Thursday that government-aligned forces had killed around 70 fighters loyal to the former regime, with over 25 others taken captive in and around Jableh.

The AFP news agency corroborated these reports, noting the loss of 28 Assad loyalists, supported by monitors on the ground, while also indicating that government forces have deployed helicopters to conduct air attacks on various targets. However, these casualty figures remain unverified by independent sources.

In a stark ultimatum, Colonel Hassan Abdul Ghani, a spokesperson for Syria’s defense ministry, addressed Assad loyalists through state media, stating, “Thousands have chosen to surrender their weapons and return to their families, while some insist on fleeing and dying in defense of murderers and criminals. The choice is clear: lay down your weapons or face your inevitable fate.”

This area has emerged as a critical security challenge for interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa, who is also grappling with resistance in the southern regions of Syria, where recent clashes with Druze forces have intensified.

In an effort to reinforce its commitment to international agreements, Syria’s foreign minister recently informed the global chemical weapons watchdog that the new government is dedicated to eliminating any remaining stockpiles that were produced under Assad. While Assad’s administration has consistently denied using chemical weapons throughout the 14-year civil conflict, various activists have accused it of conducting numerous chemical attacks.

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