A deadly ambush by Assad loyalists has killed at least 14 people in Syria’s western Tartus province. The clashes broke out when Islamist forces attempted to arrest an officer from the ousted regime, who was accused of crimes against thousands of prisoners.
The incident occurred near a village, where armed men intercepted security forces and targeted one patrol vehicle. The new Interior Minister, Mohammed Abdel Rahman, blamed “remnants of the criminal regime” for the attack.
The victims were mostly from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group that led the swift offensive toppling Assad’s rule earlier this month. Rahman vowed to crack down on anyone threatening Syria’s security or putting citizens at risk.
Protesters also took to the streets in parts of the country, linked to unverified videos showing an attack on an Alawite shrine and reports of violence against the minority community. Experts warn that collective revenge against Alawites is a risk due to their close ties to the old regime.
Syria’s interim authorities have insisted the video was old, but protests continue in coastal cities where most Alawite communities live, including Tartus and Homs.
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/syria-over-a-dozen-killed-in-ambush-by-assad-loyalists/a-71159993