Operation in Tartus: New Syrian authorities confront Assad loyalists
The operation against the forces loyal to the ousted president Bashar al-Assad has commenced in Tartus. This information was provided by the Polish Press Agency, referencing reports from the Syrian agency SANA.
On Thursday, in the Syrian city of Tartus, situated on the Mediterranean Sea, the new authorities launched an operation targeting the forces loyal to the ousted president Bashar al-Assad. This information was relayed by the Syrian agency SANA.
On Tuesday in Tartus, an ambush resulted in the deaths of 14 security personnel of the new authorities. Assad's loyalists executed the attack during an attempt to arrest a former officer with connections to the Sednaya prison near Damascus. In response to these incidents, the new authorities imposed a curfew in several cities, including Homs.
The new Syrian authorities undertook actions leading to the neutralisation of some militants loyal to Assad. The Syrian Minister of Internal Affairs, via Telegram, warned that anyone threatening the country's security or its citizens would be dealt with decisively.
Syrian rebels, led by the Islamist organisation Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), declared the overthrow of Assad's regime on 8th December. For years, he maintained power with the backing of Russia and Iran. The unrest caused by Assad's loyalists erupted in several cities, prompting the new authorities to take decisive measures.
Huge challenge ahead for Syria
The new leaders of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) in Syria face the monumental task of protecting this multi-faith and multi-ethnic country from further decline.
Rooted in the Syrian branch of Al-Qaeda, a Sunni Muslim jihadist group, HTS has softened its rhetoric and promised to protect minorities, including the Alawite community, from which Assad hails. According to AFP, the new authorities have also pledged to bring justice to the victims of abuse under the ousted ruler's regime.
