Overview
- At least 130 people, including seven civilians, have been killed in violent clashes between Syrian government forces and loyalists of former President Bashar al-Assad in the Latakia region.
- The fighting, described as the most intense since Assad's removal in December 2024, has included artillery, tanks, and heavy machine gunfire in residential areas.
- Assad loyalists continue to control parts of Latakia's outskirts, including alawite-dominated villages and the ex-leader's hometown of Kardaha.
- Reports suggest that 60 fighters from both sides were executed after being captured, with videos circulating online showing evidence of the violence.
- The transitional government has imposed curfews and deployed reinforcements to the region, while international observers warn of potential escalation and risks to minority communities.