Clashes in Latakia, Syria, after armed ambush targets security forces

LATAKIA, Syria — Tensions flared last week in Qardaha city, located in the countryside of Latakia Governorate, following an attack on a security checkpoint operated by the Syrian General Security Forces.

On Monday, armed militants launched an assault using explosives on a security patrol in Latakia’s Al-Datoor neighborhood, according to reports from Al Arabiya and Al Hadath.

A security source disclosed that “groups of remnants of the former regime” were behind the ambush, which resulted in the deaths of two members of the Syrian Ministry of Defense in the Al-Datoor neighborhood.

The source further stated that the Internal Security Directorate has initiated an extensive security campaign in Al-Datoor and surrounding areas, with the goal of apprehending those responsible for the attack and bringing them to justice.

In December, Mustafa Kanifati, Director of General Security in Latakia Governorate, announced the launch of security operations across multiple areas following the expiration of a deadline for surrendering weapons and resolving outstanding issues with security authorities.

As tensions persist, the ongoing security campaigns aim to restore stability in a region grappling with sporadic violence and unresolved political unrest.