Rebel Authorities Report Fatal Ambush by Assad Loyalists in Western Syria
Syria’s new leadership has accused loyalists of former President Bashar al-Assad of orchestrating a deadly ambush that left 14 interior ministry troops dead and 10 others wounded near Tartous, a city along the Mediterranean coast and a historic Alawite stronghold.
Tuesday’s attack marks the first direct challenge to the authority of Ahmad al-Sharaa, the rebel leader who ousted Assad just weeks ago in a sweeping offensive led by the Islamist faction Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).
Clashes Escalate in Tartous Province
The state news agency Sana reported that security forces launched an operation in Tartous on Thursday aimed at “restoring security and civil peace.” Officials claimed to have neutralized several pro-Assad militia remnants and were pursuing others suspected of involvement in the ambush.
According to reports, the ambush occurred during an attempted arrest of a former officer allegedly linked to human rights abuses at the infamous Saydnaya prison near Damascus. The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) stated that three unidentified armed individuals were also killed in the clashes.
Reinforcements have since been deployed to the region as tensions rise between the rebel-led government and loyalist factions unwilling to surrender.
Unrest in Alawite-Dominated Areas
In a separate incident, authorities imposed an overnight curfew in Homs following unrest sparked by a video purportedly showing an attack on an Alawite shrine. The interior ministry dismissed the footage as old, claiming it was from a 2016 rebel offensive in Aleppo, but the SOHR reported that one demonstrator was killed and five others injured during the protests.
Demonstrations have also erupted in other Alawite-dominated cities, including Latakia and Qardaha, Assad’s hometown. The Alawite community, an offshoot of Shia Islam that formed the backbone of Assad’s regime, fears retribution for alleged war crimes and atrocities committed during his rule.
Calls for amnesty by Alawite religious leaders have met resistance, as many Syrians demand accountability for decades of oppression, including the torture and deaths of tens of thousands in government prisons.
A Fragile New Era
Syria’s new authorities face mounting challenges as they attempt to stabilize the war-torn nation and earn the trust of its diverse population. Al-Sharaa’s government has pledged to protect religious and ethnic minorities and deliver justice for victims of the Assad regime, but divisions remain deep.
Former regime loyalists in some areas have refused to disarm, raising fears of continued violence. Reports from Tartous suggest growing resistance among locals who are unwilling to accept the new leadership.
HTS, which is still designated a terrorist organization by multiple international bodies, faces criticism for its promises to protect minority rights. Recent protests, such as those sparked by the burning of a Christmas tree, have highlighted the fragility of the new order and the urgent need to prevent further sectarian violence.
A Nation Seeking Justice
The fall of the Assad dynasty after more than five decades of authoritarian rule has left Syrians grappling with the task of rebuilding their country. For many, justice remains a top priority, with families of victims demanding answers and accountability for atrocities committed during Assad’s reign.
As the new government seeks to assert its control, the balance between stability and justice will be critical. Whether it can navigate these treacherous waters without plunging the country back into chaos remains to be seen.
