Egypt has expressed its concern regarding the confrontations in Syrian Governorate of Latakia, which have resulted in a number of casualties and injuries, the Foreign Ministry said on Friday.
In a statement, the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed its support for the Syrian state and its national institutions, as well as for stability amid security challenges. Egypt also expressed its rejection of any actions that would prejudice the security, safety, and stability of the Syrian people.
“Egypt reiterates the importance of combating all forms of violence and the necessity of placing the Syrian national interest above all considerations, and working to overcome this delicate transitional phase in Syria,” the statement said.
Egypt reaffirmed the importance of initiating a comprehensive political transition process that guarantees the participation of all segments of the Syrian people without exclusion, and ensures the rights of all sects in Syria.
The statement comes as reports indicate significant violence in the region. The Syrian Network for Human Rights said on Friday that approximately 125 civilians have been killed by security forces in the rural areas of Latakia, Tartus, and Hama on the coast. The organisation added that forces loyal to the former regime killed 100 security personnel and 15 civilians.
The network also reported that security forces’ campaigns included widespread summary executions and serious violations during security operations in the governorates of Latakia and Tartus.
The clashes, which officials have said involve security forces battling fighters loyal to former Syrian Army Colonel Suheil al-Hassan in the Latakia countryside, mark unprecedented violence in the coastal regions since the fall of the Assad regime.
Syrian authorities announced on Friday that they had full control over Tartus and Latakia. They also extended the general curfew in the two cities until Saturday. According to the Syrian Arab News Agency, SANA, the situation necessitated bringing in reinforcements and additional forces from the Ministry of Defence.
