Syrian Defense Ministry personnel killed in Latakia ambush

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: SANA
Today 05:41

Security forces have launched a campaign in Latakia to locate and detain the assailants.

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Syrian militants affiliated with the new regime guard the entrance of the Lakatia civilian airport located in the town of Hmeimim, southeast of Latakia, Syria, on December 16, 2024. (AP)

Two Syrian Defense Ministry personnel were killed in an ambush in al-Da'tour neighborhood of the coastal city of Latakia early on Tuesday.

The Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), citing a security official, reported that two officers were killed in the al-Da’tour neighborhood of Latakia.

In response, the state-run outlet stated that the Internal Security Administration launched a sweeping security operation in the area to apprehend what it described as "remnants of the regime’s militias," referring to forces that previously served under ousted President Bashar al-Assad.

Since President Ahmad al-Sharaa’s administration took power, Syria has witnessed growing tensions in minority-populated regions, including the coastal areas. As the government struggles to consolidate its legitimacy, armed groups aligned with the new administration have been documented as intimidating locals and carrying out summary executions.

However, al-Sharaa’s administration has condemned summary executions and pledged to ensure the security of minority communities. Despite these assurances, reports indicate that these commitments have been consistently violated, resulting in sporadic clashes breaking out from time to time.