Dozens killed in clashes between Syrian forces and Assad loyalists

Clashes erupted in western Syria on Friday, with security forces and Alawite militants loyal to Bashar al-Assad engaging in a second consecutive day of heavy fighting, resulting in significant casualties and a death toll exceeding one hundred. This conflict represents the most significant challenge to the new Syrian government since it took office in December of last year.

Reports indicate that Assad loyalists launched a well-planned and deadly attack on government forces in the coastal province of Latakia on Thursday. Latakia is a stronghold of the Alawite minority group. The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported on Friday that security forces allegedly "executed" 52 Alawite men in the rural Latakia towns of al-Shir and al-Mukhtariya.

The Observatory stated that its report was based on verified videos and testimonies from relatives of the victims. While no official death toll has been released, the Observatory stated that a total of at least 124 people had died, including 36 security personnel, 32 pro-Assad gunmen, and 4 civilians. Thursday's violence was primarily concentrated in Jableh, but the unrest quickly spread to other areas.

According to the Syrian state news agency SANA, a curfew has been imposed in Tartus and Latakia until 9:00 a.m. on Saturday (0600 GMT). The agency also reported that security forces were conducting comprehensive operations in and around the two cities and their surrounding mountains. SANA stated that the new Syrian government announced the extension of the curfew in the coastal region until the following morning on Friday, following the deadly battles.

A security source told Reuters that reinforcements managed to enter the city of Latakia on Friday morning after being unable to do so due to road closures. The source said that fighting was still taking place on the outskirts of the city and that security forces were working to open the road to Jableh, while Assad loyalists were besieging several positions in the area.

Tensions in western Syria have escalated following the overthrow of Assad. Assad loyalists clashed with militants from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) in Tartus, Latakia, and Homs in late January. HTS, which led the operation to overthrow Assad, has been carrying out arrest campaigns in the area, detaining hundreds of people it considers to be remnants of the former government.

Alawite activists have stated that their community has suffered violence and attacks since Assad's downfall, particularly in Homs and Latakia. Members of the group have held numerous demonstrations in these areas, expressing their frustration with the escalating insecurity and calling for the establishment of an inclusive government.