Syrian security forces are engaged in clashes with fighters loyal to former Syrian Army Colonel Suheil al-Hassan in the Latakia countryside, according to government officials. The clashes mark unprecedented violence in the coastal regions since the fall of the Assad regime.
Government Says Security Forces in Control
The political administration in Damascus, affiliated with the Syrian Interim Government, told Daily News Egypt on Friday that it had “fully secured the Naval College in Latakia, expelling remnants who attempted to approach it,” adding, “We are actively pursuing them.”
The administration denied rumours of retreating security forces, stating, “We deny the rumors propagated by remnants of the ousted regime regarding the retreat of security forces on certain fronts.”
The administration asserted, “These allegations are part of a psychological warfare campaign aimed at confusing citizens and spreading chaos,” and “Security and field forces are steadfast in their positions and continue their operations according to the planned strategy, making continuous progress.”
The administration urged citizens “not to be swayed by false news and to rely only on official sources for reliable information,” adding, “The new Syrian state is steadily moving forward in restoring security and will not allow any party to turn back the clock.” The administration also said that tanks and military reinforcements had been sent to the Syrian coastal region.
Military Reinforcements Deployed
The Ministry of Defense in the Syrian Interim Government stated that significant military reinforcements were dispatched to the Jableh area and its countryside to support the general security forces and restore stability to the region, according to an official statement. The interim government recently assumed power after the fall of the Assad regime.
At least 28 members of the Syrian security forces were killed in clashes in and around the town of Jableh in the Latakia countryside.
Tensions Escalate After Arrest Attempt
Tensions began in the town of Beit Aana, al-Hassan’s birthplace, after residents prevented security forces from arresting a person wanted by the military administration, according to Syrian sources. Security forces then launched a security campaign in the area, resulting in clashes. Fighters loyal to al-Hassan are accused of killing seven member of the security forces and injuring others. Four civilians were also reportedly killed.
Helicopters belonging to the interim government have been deployed in the clashes in Beit Aana and the surrounding woodlands, coinciding with artillery shelling.
Alawi Islamic Council Condemns Bombardment
The Supreme Alawi Islamic Council in Syria and abroad, led by Sheikh Ghazal Ghazal, condemned the “bombardment of civilian homes by warplanes” in a statement published on its Facebook account. It also called for a “peaceful sit-in in the squares on Friday to raise the voice of truth in the face of injustice,” particularly in the Latakia, Tartus, Damascus, and Homs regions.
Ministry of Interior Appeals for Restraint
Following reports of the deaths of security forces members affiliated with the new administration, armed crowds gathered in Idlib and other Syrian regions, especially in Homs and Hama, in support of the Interim Syrian Government.
Gatherings also occurred in several cities, including Hama and Homs (central), Aleppo (north), Quneitra (south), Deir ez-Zor (east), and Damascus, in support of the government and the general security forces in their efforts to restore security and stability to Jableh and its countryside, affirming their rejection of the return of remnants of former regime, according to SANA.
The Syrian Ministry of Interior issued a statement saying: “We express our understanding of the public’s feelings of anger as a result of the criminal attacks that targeted the security and stability of the nation, and we commend the high national spirit of our people and their constant support for the security forces.”
The statement added: “Today, we are on the threshold of a decisive stage that requires awareness and discipline that allow no compromise; no party or individual will be allowed to act outside the framework of the state and the law. Syria will remain strong and united thanks to the will of its people and its institutions, God willing.”
It further stated: “In light of the ongoing operations to restore security and stability, the state emphasizes the need for restraint and adherence to ethical values and national principles, while ensuring the protection of civilians and public and private property without excesses.”
The Ministry appealed to citizens not to interfere and to leave the matter to the competent forces, while rejecting any inflammatory or divisive rhetoric.
Concurrently, the General Security Administration in the cities of Tartus and Homs imposed “a general curfew from 10:00 PM on Thursday until Friday 10:00 AM (07:00 GMT).”
Violations Reported Since Assad Regime Fall
Since the new authorities toppled the Assad regime on December 8, clashes and shooting incidents have been recorded in a number of areas, while the authorities are carrying out security campaigns that they say target “remnants of the regime,” which include arrests.
Media reports and eyewitnesses confirm the occurrence of violations including the confiscation of homes, field executions, and kidnappings, while the authorities put them in the context of “individual incidents” and pledge to prosecute those responsible.
Clashes have been recorded in various areas of Jableh, especially in the vicinity of the Naval College, and fierce clashes took place in the woodlands of the towns of Beit Aana and al-Daliyah in the Latakia countryside, involving helicopters of the new Syrian security forces and warplanes. Clashes also took place in the vicinity of the Criminal Security Branch in Latakia and in the al-Zira’a neighborhood of the city.
Rival Military Council Announced
Activists on social media circulated footage of the so-called “Coastal Shield Brigade” allegedly taking control of the Naval Command in Latakia, after clashes with security forces.
However, government forces have regained control of the Naval Command in Latakia after elements loyal to the former regime controlled it for several hours, the political administration in Damascus, affiliated with the Syrian Interim Government, told Daily News Egypt.
A statement attributed to Brigadier General Ghiath Suleiman Dalla, an officer in the former regime’s army, circulated on social media, announcing the “establishment and launch of the Military Council for the Liberation of Syria,” after a “unified attack” on “General Security” forces in the Latakia Governorate, resulting in the death of more than 10 members.
According to “Statement No. 1,” the council aims to “liberate all Syrian territory from all occupying terrorist forces” and to “overthrow the existing regime and dismantle its oppressive sectarian apparatus.”
The statement called on Syrians of all sects, regions, and ethnicities to “join our ranks and stand with us in this historic stage,” and the international community to “support the will of the Syrian people to liberate themselves from injustice and tyranny disguised in vague terms.”
Former Intelligence Chief Arrested
The official Syrian News Agency reported the arrest of Major General Ibrahim Huwaija, former head of Syrian Air Force Intelligence between 1987 and 2002. Agence France-Presse reported, citing sources, that General Huwaija is accused of overseeing the assassination of Lebanese Druze leader Kamal Jumblatt 48 years ago.
