Forces loyal to Assad kill 14 policemen in Syria VIDEO

On December 26 morning, the transitional administration in Syria announced that at least fourteen security personnel and three armed men were killed in a confrontation that erupted when forces attempted to arrest a former officer linked to the notorious Sednaya prison.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the clash occurred in Tartous, a stronghold of the Alawite minority, who were key supporters of ousted president Bashar al-Assad, Caliber.Az reports, citing Western media.

The Syrian Interior Minister confirmed the fatalities in a message posted on Telegram, stating that ten police officers were also injured by what he described as “remnants” of the Assad regime. In his statement, the minister vowed to punish anyone who attempts to “undermine Syria’s security or endanger the lives of its citizens.”

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Humus’ta Suriye güvenlik güçlerine ateş açan onlarca Esad artığı İranlı milis tutuklandı. pic.twitter.com/6VbMH7UrKC

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The violence comes amid heightened tensions following Bashar al-Assad’s removal more than two weeks ago, with demonstrations and an overnight curfew marking the most significant unrest since his downfall. Demonstrations broke out across the country, notably in the coastal cities of Tartous and Latakia, both strongholds of the Alawite community. These protests, described as the largest by Alawites since Assad’s removal, were reportedly sparked by a controversial video showing a fire in an Alawite shrine in Aleppo.

The interior ministry responded to the unrest by imposing a curfew in the city of Homs, following violent clashes during protests. State media reported that one demonstrator was killed and five others wounded when security forces opened fire to disperse crowds. The protests are believed to be linked to mounting pressure on the Alawite community, traditionally loyal to Assad, amid growing sectarian divisions and fears over the direction of the new government.

The situation was further complicated by the circulation of the aforementioned video, which the interior ministry claimed dated back to the rebel offensive in Aleppo in late November. The ministry suggested that the video, now circulating on social media, was being used by unknown groups to incite sectarian unrest in the wake of Assad’s removal.

🔴 Suriye Geçici Hükümeti'ne bağlı güvenlik güçleri, olaylara müdahale etmek için sahaya indi. pic.twitter.com/7Y9f6uj9qg

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In addition to the civil unrest, Syria’s new authorities took significant steps to confront the legacy of Assad’s regime, including the destruction of a large stockpile of drugs, including one million Captagon pills. Captagon, a banned stimulant, had become Syria’s largest export during Assad’s rule, and large quantities of the drug were reportedly found at former government sites, including security branches.

Despite these efforts to maintain control, the new authorities, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group formerly linked to al-Qaeda, are facing challenges in managing the diverse and fractured political landscape of post-Assad Syria. As the country grapples with these internal divisions, questions remain over the future direction of Syria’s government and the fate of its religious and ethnic minorities.

The new administration has repeatedly reassured minorities that their rights will be protected, but the ongoing unrest highlights the deepening sectarian tensions in the wake of Assad’s fall. The coming weeks may prove crucial in determining whether the new leadership can stabilize the country or if further violence and division will follow.

By Khagan Isayev