Heavy fighting erupts in coastal Syria following Assad's ouster

Intense clashes have erupted in Syria's coastal region between government forces and fighters loyal to deposed President Bashar al-Assad. The violence, described as the worst since Assad's fall in December, has resulted in over 70 deaths, prompting curfews in key cities.

Syria's coastal region has witnessed intense clashes between the newly established government forces and fighters loyal to deposed President Bashar al-Assad. This marks the worst violence since the fall of Assad in December, when rebels installed an Islamist transitional government.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that over 70 people have been killed in the fighting, including government soldiers, former regime gunmen, and civilians. The cities of Latakia and Tartous have been placed under curfew as violence continues. BBC Verify confirmed the location of videos showing gunmen firing at buildings and dragging bodies through the streets in Latakia.

The coastal region, home to the Alawite minority and Assad's stronghold, has become a focal point of resistance. Former regime forces have ambushed military checkpoints and government forces, particularly in Latakia and Jableh. Witnesses have described the violence as indiscriminate, with attacks affecting both combatants and civilians.

Syria's new interim government, led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, is facing significant security challenges, especially in the coastal areas and southern Syria. Tensions remain high, with reports of continued violence against the Alawite community, as well as clashes with Druze forces in the south.

As the violence escalates, the international community continues to monitor the situation, with Syria's new government committing to the dismantling of chemical weapons stockpiles previously produced under Assad’s regime.