More than 10 new admin fighters killed in Syria amid demonstrations
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Amid soaring tensions, the General Security Administration in Tartous announced a general curfew from 10:00 PM on Thursday until 10:00 AM on Friday.
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Syrian fighters guard the entrance of the Lakatia civilian airport located in the town of Hmeimim, southeast of Latakia, Syria, Monday Dec. 16, 2024 (AP)
Local Syrian sources reported to Al Mayadeen on Thursday evening that military reinforcements were heading to the Jableh area and its countryside to support General Security forces.
According to a source in the Ministry of Defense, military units from Idlib, Hama, Homs, and Aleppo were deployed toward the Syrian coastal regions, stating that "most of the night operations fighters have been mobilized, and operations on the ground will commence."
Meanwhile, the General Security Administration in Tartous announced a general curfew from 10:00 PM on Thursday until 10:00 AM on Friday.
Local sources told Al Mayadeen that more than ten General Security personnel were killed during clashes with armed groups around the city of Jableh on the Syrian coast.
This escalation follows intense clashes earlier in the day between armed groups and Syrian Ministry of Defense forces in the countryside of Latakia.
Simultaneously, demonstrations took place in the cities of Latakia and Tartous in solidarity with the residents of Jableh's countryside, calling for "an end to bloodshed, holding those responsible accountable, strengthening civil peace, ensuring security, and halting violations," according to sources.
The Supreme Alawite Islamic Council in Syria issued a statement calling for "halting the military campaign in Dattour, Tartous, and Jableh, where civilian homes have been targeted by airstrikes."
The council urged for "a peaceful uprising in public squares to support the people in Jableh’s villages and to raise the voice of justice against oppression," emphasizing, "Protest with strength but with wisdom, raise only national slogans, and do not harm properties."
Additionally, Suwayda province witnessed demonstrations on Thursday, with protesters raising slogans against the new administration, accusing it of exclusion and rejecting its current structure.
Escalating violence
Moreover, Al Mayadeen's sources reported that residents of Beit Aana cooperated in the arrest of one suspect before the patrol was targeted. However, there have been growing calls from locals in Beit Aana and nearby Dalia for a halt to the ongoing operations to prevent civilian casualties.
In a separate incident, violent clashes erupted between armed groups and forces under Syria's Defense Ministry of the new administration in different parts of the Syrian coast region. State-run SANA confirmed that an armed group ambushed military personnel near Beit Aana, resulting in the death of at least one officer and injuries to others. Ambulances attempting to evacuate the wounded were also attacked.
A security source told Al Mayadeen that all necessary measures will be taken to hold the perpetrators accountable.
Read more: IOF advance toward central, northern Quneitra countryside in Syria
Earlier this week, SANA reported that two Defense Ministry personnel were killed in an ambush in the Daatour neighborhood of Latakia city. In response, Syria's new Internal Security Directorate launched a sweeping security operation in the area to apprehend the attackers.
