Syria's Security Forces Suffer Losses in Ambush by Assad Loyalists

Syria's internal conflict took a violent turn as new rebel-led authorities reported the death of 14 interior ministry personnel in an ambush near the Mediterranean port of Tartous. Ten others sustained injuries in what officials described as an operation by forces loyal to ousted President Bashar al-Assad. The ambush occurred as security forces attempted to arrest a former officer connected to abuses at Saydnaya prison, infamous for human rights violations under Assad's regime.

The ambush highlights the continuing instability following the recent overthrow of Assad’s government. Just weeks ago, the rebel-led offensive spearheaded by the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) ousted Assad after more than 50 years of family rule. Assad has since fled to Russia, leaving the HTS to establish its control over the country. However, challenges remain, as loyalist factions resist the new regime’s authority.

The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported that three militants were also killed during the Tartous clashes. Reinforcements were deployed following the attack, underscoring the tensions between the new authorities and remnants of the Assad loyalists. The incident further complicates the fragile transition of power in a nation already grappling with deep-seated divisions.

In a separate development, unrest erupted in Homs, prompting the imposition of an overnight curfew by the Syrian authorities. The unrest followed the circulation of a video allegedly depicting an attack on an Alawite shrine. The interior ministry later clarified that the video was from November’s rebel offensive on Aleppo and attributed the violence to unidentified groups. Demonstrations also spread to Tartous, Latakia, and Assad’s hometown of Qardaha.

The Alawite minority, to which the Assad family belongs, has been at the heart of the regime’s political and military elite. The recent events have raised concerns about the safety of minority groups under the new rebel-led government. While HTS has pledged to safeguard the rights of Syria’s religious and ethnic minorities, skepticism remains due to its designation as a terrorist organization by international bodies such as the UN, US, EU, and UK.

Adding to the tensions, protests broke out over the burning of a Christmas tree, sparking fresh calls for the new authorities to take measures to protect Syria’s diverse communities. HTS’s promises of inclusivity and protection face a critical test as incidents like these fuel fear and distrust among the population.

The road to stability in Syria remains uncertain. While the fall of the Assad regime marks a significant turning point, the nation continues to face deep-seated divisions, resistance from loyalist forces, and concerns over minority protections. As the new authorities consolidate power, ensuring safety and unity across Syria will be their most significant challenge in the coming months.

Refrence From: www.bbc.com