Syrian forces loyal to the new government in Damascus have engaged in heavy fighting with remnants of the ousted Assad regime in a coastal area in the country’s north-west.<\/p>\n
At least 13 soldiers have been killed in the clashes in Latakia province, close to a Russian-controlled airbase, according to state TV.<\/p>\n
They are some of the most violent attacks on forces linked to Syria’s Islamist government since the fall of Bashar al-Assad in December.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Clashes continue in coastal areas that form the heartland of the Alawite community and are a stronghold of the Assad family. <\/p>\n
Alawite activists said their community had been subjected to violence and attacks since Assad fell, particularly in rural Homs and Latakia.<\/p>\n
State news agency Sana reported that “huge military reinforcements” were heading to the city of Jableh.<\/p>\n
Late on Thursday, Syrian-based Step news agency, was reporting that government-aligned forces had killed “about 70” former regime fighters, while more than 25 others were captured in Jableh and surrounds.<\/p>\n
The AFP news agency said 28 gunman loyal to Assad were killed, citing monitors, and added that government forces were using helicopters to attack targets.<\/p>\n
The BBC has been unable to verify the figures.<\/p>\n
A spokesman for Syria’s defence ministry, Colonel Hassan Abdul Ghani, issued a warning to Assad loyalists via state media.<\/p>\n
“Thousands have chosen to surrender their weapons and return to their families, while some insist on fleeing and dying in defence of murderers and criminals. The choice is clear: lay down your weapons or face your inevitable fate,” he said.<\/p>\n
The region has become a major security challenge for interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa. <\/p>\n
He is also facing resistance in the south, where there have been clashes with Druze forces in recent days.<\/p>\n
Earlier this week, Syria’s foreign minister told the global chemical weapons watchdog that the new government was committed to destroying any remaining stockpiles produced under-Assad.<\/p>\n
Assad’s government denied ever using chemical weapons during the 14-year civil war, but activists accused it of carrying out of dozens of chemical attacks.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\n
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