Violent Clashes in Syria Leave Over 200 Dead, Curfew Imposed in Latakia and Tartus

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Violent clashes between supporters of former President Bashar al-Assad and the security forces of Syria's new government have resulted in over 200 deaths, continuing from Thursday into Friday. The violence erupted after government forces attempted to detain a wanted individual near the coastal city of Jableh, sparking a violent response from Assad’s supporters, who attacked the security forces in protest.

The most intense clashes have occurred in the cities of Latakia and Tartus, where the government has imposed curfews in an effort to control the unrest. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, 71 people have been confirmed dead, including 35 government soldiers, 32 former military gunmen, and 4 civilians. Ten more people have sustained serious injuries. In the villages of Shir, Mukhtariyeh, and Haffa, another 69 people have been killed, with reports indicating that 30 people were killed in Mukhtariyeh alone, and 60 others, including women and children, were killed in Baniyas.

This is the first major outbreak of violence since December, when rebels removed the Assad government from power and established an Islamic transitional government. The new government has vowed to bring unity to Syria after more than 14 years of civil war. In retaliation, Assad supporters launched attacks on several coastal villages, resulting in 140 deaths, including 50 government soldiers and 45 pro-Assad fighters.

As the violence continues, Damascus has imposed a curfew in Latakia and Tartus while increasing security forces in the region to manage the situation. The ongoing unrest highlights the deep divisions still lingering in Syria following the transition of power and the struggle for control.