Fighting has intensified in the village of Ta’nita, located in Syria’s Tartus province, according to a source in the Syrian interim government. The source claims that remnants of the former government have fled to this village, where they are now engaged in heavy battles.
The clashes, described as violent, are reportedly taking place on the outskirts of the village. The source alleges that many "war criminals linked to the dissolved (government), along with armed groups protecting them," have sought refuge in the area.
The conflict in Syria’s coastal region, predominantly Alawite-populated, began on Thursday. The new Syrian government asserts that it has launched a military operation to suppress these elements and restore security. However, the violence has resulted in the deaths of over 500 Syrian civilians so far.
Reports of street executions and mass killings of Alawite civilians by factions linked to Jolani have sparked regional and international condemnation. In response, Damascus announced a temporary halt to its military operations, citing the need to expel rogue forces.
Syria’s ministry of defense stated today that the first phase of its so-called security and cleansing operation along the coast has been completed. The second phase is set to begin immediately.
Meanwhile, sources linked to Jolani’s government have been accused of looting and seizing civilians’ property, according to local media. Lebanon’s Al-Mayadeen network reported that more than ten massacres have been carried out in villages and rural areas of Latakia, Tartus, Hama, and parts of Homs province by government-affiliated forces.