Numerous fatalities as clashes erupt in Syria, according to reports
Over 70 individuals are said to have lost their lives in confrontations involving government forces and loyalists of Assad in the regions of Latakia and Jableh in Syria.. source:TROIB RTS
TroibNews 
Government forces have engaged in battles with loyalists of former President Bashar Assad in the regions of Latakia and Jableh.
Reports indicate that over 70 individuals have died in the recent conflicts between Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and Assad loyalists, marking the most lethal clashes since the fall of Assad’s regime. The fighting reportedly erupted on Thursday across Syria's coastal areas, including Latakia, Jableh, and Tartus.
HTS, a jihadist group that was once linked to Al-Qaeda, seized control of Syria in late 2024 after a swift military campaign that captured major cities such as Aleppo, Hama, and Homs, culminating in the capture of Damascus on December 8. This shift in power ended over five decades of Assad family rule, with Ahmed al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, now leading the new administration.
As per reports, a surprise assault on HTS forces by Assad loyalists, who still maintain a presence in Syria’s coastal region, occurred on Thursday. In response, government forces dispatched significant reinforcements to Latakia, Tartus, and surrounding towns and villages.
The Associated Press has confirmed that the ongoing fighting has resulted in the deaths of over 70 individuals. Additionally, Syria’s state television reported that at least 13 members of the newly established security forces were killed in an ambush by Assad-affiliated militants in the Jableh area.
The latest hostilities are near important Russian military facilities, including the Khmeimim Airbase close to Latakia and a naval station in Tartus. Despite Assad's ousting, Russia has kept a foothold in Syria and has been engaged in discussions with the HTS-led government about the future of its military bases. Syrian Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra mentioned last month that Damascus is open to allowing Russia to retain its naval and air bases in the nation as long as it aligns with Syria’s interests.
While Moscow had previously supported Assad and provided him asylum following his ousting, it has continued diplomatic relations with the current Syrian authorities. Russian President Vladimir Putin has voiced backing for Syria’s territorial integrity and emphasized the need for stability restoration. Moreover, Russia has extended military and economic support to Syria as it makes its way through this transition under HTS governance.
The HTS-led administration has expressed its commitment to unifying the country but has ruled out the possibility of elections for at least four years, instead prioritizing the consolidation of control and the stabilization of governance.
James del Carmen contributed to this report for TROIB News
Reports indicate that over 70 individuals have died in the recent conflicts between Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and Assad loyalists, marking the most lethal clashes since the fall of Assad’s regime. The fighting reportedly erupted on Thursday across Syria's coastal areas, including Latakia, Jableh, and Tartus.
HTS, a jihadist group that was once linked to Al-Qaeda, seized control of Syria in late 2024 after a swift military campaign that captured major cities such as Aleppo, Hama, and Homs, culminating in the capture of Damascus on December 8. This shift in power ended over five decades of Assad family rule, with Ahmed al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, now leading the new administration.
As per reports, a surprise assault on HTS forces by Assad loyalists, who still maintain a presence in Syria’s coastal region, occurred on Thursday. In response, government forces dispatched significant reinforcements to Latakia, Tartus, and surrounding towns and villages.
The Associated Press has confirmed that the ongoing fighting has resulted in the deaths of over 70 individuals. Additionally, Syria’s state television reported that at least 13 members of the newly established security forces were killed in an ambush by Assad-affiliated militants in the Jableh area.
The latest hostilities are near important Russian military facilities, including the Khmeimim Airbase close to Latakia and a naval station in Tartus. Despite Assad's ousting, Russia has kept a foothold in Syria and has been engaged in discussions with the HTS-led government about the future of its military bases. Syrian Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra mentioned last month that Damascus is open to allowing Russia to retain its naval and air bases in the nation as long as it aligns with Syria’s interests.
While Moscow had previously supported Assad and provided him asylum following his ousting, it has continued diplomatic relations with the current Syrian authorities. Russian President Vladimir Putin has voiced backing for Syria’s territorial integrity and emphasized the need for stability restoration. Moreover, Russia has extended military and economic support to Syria as it makes its way through this transition under HTS governance.
The HTS-led administration has expressed its commitment to unifying the country but has ruled out the possibility of elections for at least four years, instead prioritizing the consolidation of control and the stabilization of governance.
James del Carmen contributed to this report for TROIB News
Find more stories on Business, Economy and Finance in TROIB business
