The ongoing conflict in Syria has taken a sharp turn, with loyalists of former President Bashar al-Assad mounting large-scale offensives against forces aligned with the new government. Reports suggest that the Syrian Popular Resistance, a coalition of Assad loyalists and former Baath party supporters, has successfully cleared the Satamo airport in the Latakia countryside, driving out Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) forces.
Simultaneously, the "Coastal Shield Brigade," a newly formed unit led by officers of the Syrian Arab Army, has seized control of Mount Nabi Yunis in Latakia. This group reportedly captured heavy artillery, including 122mm D-30M howitzers, from HTS-led factions.
These developments come amidst growing unrest in Syria's Alawite-majority regions, such as Latakia, which remain fiercely loyal to Assad despite his ouster in December 2024. The transitional government, which replaced Assad's regime, faces mounting challenges in asserting authority over these resistant territories.
Casualties from the renewed fighting have been significant, with dozens of security personnel, militants, and civilians reported dead. As violence intensifies, international observers warn of a potential resurgence of widespread conflict, complicating efforts to stabilize the war-torn nation.
The clashes underscore the fragile state of Syria's transition and the lingering influence of Assad’s loyalist networks, raising concerns about the nation's future trajectory.
