The Syrian Human Rights Observatory (SOHR) said a total of 48 people were killed in combat between Syrian security forces and pro-Assad fighter jets on Thursday.
Supporters of exiled President Bashar Assad have ambushed and killed 16 police officers. According to London-based Sohr, the response from Syrian security forces led to a clash in which 28 pro-Assad fighters and four civilians died.
The watchdog had called it “the most violent attack on new authorities since Assad collapsed.”
What do you know about the conflict in Latakia, Syria?
The incident took place around towns in the coastal province of Latakia, the center of the Alawian minority of Syria, where Assad is a member.
“In a well-planned, planned attack, several groups of Assad militia wreckages attacked our location and checkpoints, targeting many of the Jable area patrols,” said Mustafa Neifati, a security official in Latakia.
Sohr reported that security forces adopted helicopter gunboats and fired fire at ambushers. It was not immediately clear whether Al Hassan was involved in the battle.
Sana, a state-run news agency, said security forces arrested Ibrahim Huwayzi, a former Intelligence Bureau official, who is believed to be responsible for organizing the assassination of Lebanon’s Druze leader Kamal Jumblatt in 1977.
Denominational violence reported at Arauit’s base
After the attack, numerous military reinforcements were deployed in the region, and overnight curfew was imposed on areas with an Alawian population, including nearby Tartus and Homz, Syrian third city, Sana reported.
Security officer Sajed Al-Deek was quoted from local media saying the situation was under control. He received reports that the attack was carried out by the Alawians and was called “to refrain from suppressing sectarian sentiment.”
Tensions in the Alawite base area have been growing as Sunni extremists attack once dominant groups.
The Syrian government led by rebels that overthrew Assad with a lightning advance in December warned against collective punishment or sectarian violence.
However, residents and observers accused security forces of seizing their homes, carrying out executions and luring them out as they were trying to eradicate Assad’s loyalty from the area.
Nevertheless, the government called these violations “isolated incidents” and said it would pursue those responsible.
Editor: Roshni Majumdar
