Syria launches security crackdown after deadly police attack in tartous VIDEO

Syria's new authorities have initiated a large-scale security operation in Tartous province, following the deaths of 14 policemen in an attack on December 26.

The government vowed to pursue remnants of the ousted Bashar al-Assad regime, who are accused of carrying out the assault, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The violence in the coastal region, home to many Alawite sect members, marks the deadliest challenge yet to the Sunni Islamist-led administration that took power on December 8, 2024.

"The security forces have launched an operation to control security, stability, and civil peace and to pursue the remnants of Assad's militias in the woods and hills of rural Tartous," the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) quoted officials as saying.

Tensions have escalated, particularly due to the sectarian undercurrents in the region. Protesters in Tartous were seen chanting "Oh Ali!" during a demonstration, a slogan revering Ali ibn Abi Talib, a key figure in Islam revered by Alawites and Shi’ites. This chant highlights the ongoing sectarian division and discontent among the Alawite minority, who fear the new administration’s Islamist leanings could marginalize their community.

In response to rising tensions, Mohammed Othman, the newly appointed governor of Latakia, a province bordering Tartous, held a meeting with Alawite sheikhs, calling for "community cohesion and civil peace" on the Syrian coast.

Meanwhile, unrest has also spread to Homs, located 150 km north of Damascus. The state-run media reported a curfew being imposed on Wednesday night following violent demonstrations, some of which were allegedly led by Alawite and Shi’ite communities. Social media footage showed crowds fleeing from gunfire, but it remains unclear who was responsible for the shooting.

Iran, a key backer of the Assad regime, has expressed concern over the developments. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei recently called on Syrian youth to stand firm against those responsible for the unrest. "A strong and honourable group will emerge in Syria because today Syrian youth have nothing to lose," Khamenei said.

Syria’s newly appointed foreign minister, Asaad Hassan al-Shibani, responded sharply to Iran’s comments, urging Tehran to respect Syria’s sovereignty and to avoid further interference.

"We warn them against spreading chaos in Syria and hold them accountable for the repercussions of their latest remarks," al-Shibani stated.

By Aghakazim Guliyev