Over 70 killed in clashes between government forces and Assad supporters in Syria

Over 70 Killed in Clashes Between Syrian Government Forces and Assad Supporters

• More than 70 people have been killed and dozens injured in violent clashes between Syrian government forces and supporters of ousted President Bashar al-Assad, according to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
• The fighting occurred in Latakia, near a Russian-controlled air base, marking the most severe confrontation involving Assad loyalists since his removal in December.
• A curfew was imposed until Friday morning as clashes continued in coastal areas, considered the heartland of the Alawite community and a stronghold of the Assad family.
• Syrian state media reported troop movements towards Jableh, while additional clashes were reported in Homs and Aleppo. Social media footage depicted heavy gunfire in residential streets, though its authenticity remains unverified.
• Colonel Hassan Abdul Ghani, a Syrian Defense Ministry spokesperson, urged Assad loyalists in Latakia to surrender, warning of severe consequences for those who resist.
• The ongoing unrest poses a significant security challenge for interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who is also dealing with resistance from Druze forces in the south.
• Activists highlight increasing attacks against the Alawite community since Assad's fall, particularly in rural Homs and Latakia.
• The Syrian-based Step news agency reported that nearly all of the 70 casualties were former pro-government fighters, while an AFP report earlier cited 48 deaths, including 16 government forces, 28 pro-Assad fighters, and four civilians.