Syria’s Coastal Region Experiences Third Consecutive Day of Conflict Amid Jolani Government’s Struggle to Maintain Authority
Hostilities have persisted for a third day in Syria's coastal region, as the Jolani-led interim government struggles to establish complete authority despite the deployment of substantial reinforcements.
According to Al Jazeera, which references information from a Syrian security source, an attack by loyalists of the former Syrian government resulted in the death of three members of the Syrian interim government’s security forces. The protracted conflict has claimed dozens of lives and left many injured.
Violent clashes broke out near the National Hospital in Latakia, a key provincial capital along Syria’s coastline. According to sources, the skirmish resulted in the death of eight opposition fighters, while tensions persist across the province.
Discrepancies have emerged between the casualty figures provided by the Jolani administration and those reported by independent observers. According to the Qatari publication Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, the death toll stands at over 100 fighters from Jolani’s forces, in addition to numerous civilians who have perished amid the hostilities. Video clips circulating on social media purportedly depict summary executions carried out by government troops, with each faction accusing the other of committing such acts.
On Thursday, Latakia witnessed a surge in hostilities as interim government forces launched assaults on Alawite-majority regions, citing the objective of targeting elements loyal to the Bashar al-Assad administration. Consequently, the Jolani-led administration has reinforced its presence in the area by dispatching additional military personnel and equipment, while enforcing curfews across multiple provinces. The ongoing conflict has led to substantial casualties among the warring parties, with numerous individuals also sustaining injuries.
The transitional government under Jolani has deployed additional forces from adjacent provinces in a bid to quell dissent against its policies. Detractors have raised concerns about certain factions within the administration, alleging that they have persisted in employing aggressive measures reminiscent of their past involvement in militant actions.
Mohammad Othman, the governor appointed by Jolani, made a personal visit to the conflict area, asserting that the circumstances are being effectively managed. “Significant military reinforcements have been deployed to lift the siege on pivotal strategic and military locations,” he declared.
In a video address delivered last night, Jolani issued a stern warning to opposition forces, emphasizing Syria’s indivisibility. He declared, “An assault on any region of Syria constitutes an assault on the entire nation.”
Jolani issued an appeal to his adversaries to lay down their arms and extend his appreciation to his security and military teams. He affirmed his administration’s dedication to maintaining safety in the coastal area.
