The military forces continue their operations against the elements of the toppled Assad regime in Syria. At least 71 people have lost their lives in the clashes so far. Search operations targeting the toppled regime forces are being expanded. Syrian President Ahmed Shara emphasized “national unity and solidarity” in his message regarding the events. The escalating tension in Syria is closely monitored by Ankara.

Military forces continue their operations against the elements of the toppled Assad regime in Syria. Following Dera, tension also escalated in Latakia. Clashes erupted in Latakia after units from Aleppo and Idlib joined the operation. The operation was carried out after the toppled regime elements attacked security forces in the village of Beit Ana in Latakia. The Syrian state news agency SANA described the operation as large-scale, targeting the toppled regime elements in Latakia and Tartus, and urging civilians to stay in their homes. The Ministry of Defense announced that reinforcement forces were sent to the two cities. CURFEW IMPLEMENTED Gunfire was directed at a building where toppled regime forces were present. As a result of the clashes, curfews were imposed in Latakia, Tartus, and Homs. It was also announced within the scope of the operation that Ibrahim Huweyce, the former head of the Assad regime’s air intelligence, had been captured. The Syrian army dispatched reinforcement units consisting of hundreds of vehicles, including tanks, armored personnel carriers, and multiple rocket launchers, to Latakia and Tartus.

At least 71 people have lost their lives in the clashes.

CALL FOR SURRENDERING WEAPONS Security forces have expanded search operations against the elements of the toppled regime. Those willing to surrender their weapons were called upon to head to the nearest security checkpoint. Security forces previously launched operations against toppled regime armed elements who refused to surrender their weapons in the town of Sanamayn in Dera. Gayyas Delle, known as one of the groups ambushing security forces, and claiming to be the commander of the toppled regime’s Jaysh al-Ghayir, announced that they had established a military council to overthrow the current government.

PRESIDENT SHARA’S “UNITY” MESSAGE

The Syrian Presidential Media Office released Shara’s video message regarding the events in Latakia. Shara hinted that some remnants of the regime were trying to test the new Syria they were unfamiliar with, saying, “And today, they are rediscovering Syria, seeing it as one, from east to west, from north to south.” Shara highlighted that protecting Syria is a shared responsibility of everyone, stating that the events of last night proved that there is no need to worry for a country that harbors such people and spirit. Addressing the toppled Ba’ath regime forces, Shara stated, “We are a nation who wants to rebuild this country you destroyed, and we have no intention of shedding blood. We are a nation that fights with honor, while you fight dishonorably.” Shara emphasized that what the toppled regime forces did is not surprising and announced that they will provide an overwhelming response they cannot handle. “WE WILL NOT LET THEM ESCAPE” Shara stressed that they will not let the toppled regime forces, aiming to provoke, escape. He affirmed that they will bring them to justice. Shara emphasized that they are determined to collect weapons only in the hands of the state. Stressing the duty to protect civilians living in conflict areas on the coastal region, Shara stated, “Despite the betrayal we faced, the state will continue to be the guarantor of social peace and will not allow anyone to interfere.” Shara called on all military units in conflict zones to comply with the commanders’ instructions to prevent the recurrence of violations. ESCALATING TENSION MONITORED BY ANKARA The escalating tension in Syria is closely monitored by Ankara. The spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Öncü Keçeli, said, “Such provocations should not be allowed to become a threat to the peace and security of Syria and our region.” Keçeli stated that Ankara is against any action targeting the right of Syrians to live in peace and prosperity, and added, “Turkey will continue to stand by the Syrian people and government.”