Dozens have been reportedly killed or injured as clashes erupted in Syria’s west between forces of the new administration and opposition groups.
According to Defense Ministry in Syria’s transitional administration, ruled by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), massive military reinforcements were sent to the Jableh region and its countryside in Latakia Governorate to support the security forces, according to the official statement.
Thousands of reinforcements arrived in Tartous and attempt to restore control over city centres in Jableh and Latakia. Jolani regime preparing for a large operation to regain the mountains and countryside they withdrew from during clashes throughout the night https://t.co/aSYxdVvJqd pic.twitter.com/AGEbHMft2O
— Hassan Ridha (@sayed_ridha) March 7, 2025
On Thursday and Friday heavy fighting was reported in Latakia, with the so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) saying that more than 70 people were killed.
The SOHR reported on Friday that casualties were recorded on the Syrian coast after HTS militants were ambushed.
The Mediterranean province of Latakia, which is populated by Alawites and Shia Muslims, is home to the Hmeimim air base – a strategic Syrian base that Russia operates.
Clashes with the opposition groups, whom the new administration accuses of being affiliated with the former regime, came after strikes were reportedly launched by helicopters on the village of Beit Ana and the surrounding forests and artillery strikes on a neighboring village.
Alawite leaders had called in a statement on Facebook for “peaceful protests” in response to the helicopter strikes, which they said had targeted “the homes of civilians.”
Syrian protesters near Hmeimim base, south east of Latakia, demand protection from Russia during the ongoing clashes that are happening between HTS-led security forces and ex-SAA cells. pic.twitter.com/opASXjignU
— The Cradle (@TheCradleMedia) March 7, 2025
Source: Agencies
