Fourteen police officers were killed and ten wounded in an ambush allegedly carried out by forces loyal to the ousted regime of Bashar al-Assad. The attack occurred in the rural area of Tartus, marking a significant escalation in violence in the aftermath of Assad’s fall earlier this month.
Details of the Incident
The clashes occurred when transitional forces attempted to arrest a former officer linked to Sednaya prison, a site notorious for human rights abuses under Assad’s rule. The ambush unfolded in Tartous, an Alawite stronghold deeply connected to the former regime.
The transitional administration has labelled the attackers as “remnants” of Assad’s government, accusing them of attempting to destabilise the country. In a statement on Telegram, Syria’s Interior Minister vowed to punish anyone threatening national security.
Wider Sectarian Tensions
The ambush coincides with growing unrest in Syria, including mass demonstrations and sectarian tensions. Protests erupted across Alawite-majority areas, including the coastal cities of Tartous and Latakia, and Assad’s hometown of Qardaha. These are the largest demonstrations involving the Alawite community since Assad’s removal earlier this month.
In Homs, a city already experiencing heightened unrest, authorities imposed an overnight curfew following violent demonstrations sparked by a controversial video. The footage, reportedly showing an Alawite shrine set ablaze, was circulated widely on social media. The Interior Ministry stated the video was linked to events in late November during a rebel offensive, but its recent distribution appears intended to incite further sectarian tensions.
One demonstrator was killed and five others wounded in Homs when security forces opened fire to disperse the crowd. Residents report that violence has been directed at Alawite communities, fuelling fears of retribution against minorities historically associated with the Assad regime.
Sectarian and Political Dynamics
The country’s new rulers, led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, a former al-Qaida affiliate, face the difficult task of assuring minority groups of their safety. The transitional administration has repeatedly stated its commitment to protecting minorities, including Alawites and Shi’ites, amid concerns they could be marginalised under the new government.
Sectarian unrest, coupled with violent attacks by Assad loyalists, complicates efforts to restore order. The transitional administration must address both security threats and public discontent, as protests highlight unresolved grievances across the political and sectarian spectrum.
Economic and Criminal Challenges
In addition to security concerns, the transitional authorities are tackling Syria’s widespread drug trade, which flourished during Assad’s regime. On Wednesday, officials destroyed a significant stockpile of captagon, a banned amphetamine-like stimulant, including over one million pills. Captagon production became one of Syria’s largest exports during the civil war, contributing to the regime’s illicit funding streams.
Since Assad’s removal, large quantities of the drug have been discovered in former government facilities, including security branches. Addressing this legacy of organised crime is seen as critical to rebuilding Syria’s economy and improving international relations.
Read also:
Russian Cargo Vessel Ursa Major Linked to Syria Mission Sinks Near Spain
