16 Killed in Fierce Clashes Between Syrian Forces and Assad Loyalists

The violence in Latakia marks the deadliest confrontation since Bashar al-Assad's ouster in December 2024.

Gunmen loyal to ousted President Bashar al-Assad ambushed Syrian security forces in Latakia, killing 16 personnel, according to monitoring groups.
The clashes, described as the most violent since Assad's overthrow, occurred in the Alawite-majority region, a former stronghold of Assad's regime.
Helicopter strikes and artillery were deployed by Syria's new authorities to combat loyalist forces, including those linked to former special forces commander Suhail al-Hassan.
Tensions escalated after security forces attempted to arrest an alleged arms trader in Beit Ana, sparking resistance from local residents and loyalist fighters.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported civilian casualties and alleged violations during the government's campaign to eliminate remnants of the Assad regime.