South Asian News Network

Conflicts between government security forces and militants loyal to ousted leader Bashar al-Assad have resulted in over 70 deaths and dozens of injuries in Syria. During his reign, the Alawite minority in the nation was regarded as a bulwark of support, and the fighting took place in the Mediterranean coastal region of Latakia. Four civilians and 28 rebels supporting the overthrown president were slain, while 16 security personnel were killed by pro-Assad militants. The majority of the security guards slain were from Idlib, a former rebel bastion.

Former air force intelligence Chief General Ibrahim Huweija, a suspect in the 1977 killing of Lebanese Druze leader Kamal Bek Jumblatt, was apprehended and detained by security authorities. Residents blocked security officers from apprehending a wanted individual for guns trade, which sparked tensions. The new security forces in Syria have subsequently launched massive operations to drive Assad supporters out of his old strongholds.