Clashes Erupt in Syria's Coastal Latakia Province, Amid Alawite Uprising

In the Jableh countryside, located south of Latakia, remnants of the former regime launched an assault on a security checkpoint, further escalating tensions in the region.

Witnesses reported the presence of Russian fighter jets in the area, although they did not engage in combat. Additionally, attack helicopters were observed, but it remains uncertain whether these belong to HTS or the Russian Air Force. 

Local sources lean towards the helicopters being operated by HTS, as they were seen targeting positions held by former regime loyalists.

Currently, reports suggesting that Russian jets provided cover fire for the helicopters cannot be confirmed. This incident marks a notable resurgence of Russian aerial patrols in Syrian airspace, reminiscent of operations not seen since the fall of the previous regime.

Clashes were also audible in close proximity to the Russian 'Khmeimim' air base, highlighting the increasing volatility of the situation.

In a parallel development, the Islamic Council of the Alawite minority, known for their loyalty to the fallen Assad government, has called for protests against the newly established government, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing conflict.

Significant reinforcements are en route to the Latakia region along the coast, preparing to engage former regime loyalists in combat.

Protests have erupted in Latakia and Tartous against the HTS-led Syrian Government.

According to local sources, at least one fatality has been recorded, after Government Forces opened live fire onto a crowd of protestors in Tartous.

The clashes between anti-government rebels, led mostly by former Assad loyalists, have spread to the suburbs of Damascus. Additionally, a curfew has been imposed in the city of Masyaf, in Hama Governorate.

Former supporters of the Syrian Arab Republic, mostly Alawites, have started coordinated attacks along the entire coastal region, attempting to capture the town of Jableh and the M1 highway.

Resistance Forces have taken over the Istamo Airfield in the Latakia countryside. The video shows the capture of two helicopters.

HTS-led Government Forces reportedly fired at Alawite civilians in Homs. There are several casualties between the armed forces and civilians but there is no official number yet.

Forces of the newly established Military Council for the Liberation of Syria have reportedly captured the Navy Headquarters in Latakia, after fierce clashes took place.

Shocking footage shows Jolani's forces opening fire upon civilian houses in Latakia, indiscriminately targeting Alawite neighbourhoods.

According to reports, large Turkish convoys have entered Syria in Idlib province, likely in order to prepare for possible further escalation.

SDF claims to have captures the al-Layrmon intersection, Aleppo city, setting up military checkpoints. Furthermore there are several unconfirmed reports of low flying military jets.

Syria's Resistance claims to have captured the Meaan Shaker intersection and its bridge on the M1 highway south of Tartous, as well as the Mokhtariyeh bridge on the M4 highway east of Latakia. Additionally, they captured Mount Yunus, the highest peak in Syria's coastal region, and its artillery positions.

In the video above, fighters of the Syrian Resistance are seen capturing the artillery pieces on Mount Yunus. "The pigs have lost control over the artillery on Yunus Peak, God is Great".

Brigadier General Ghaith Soleiman Dalla, a former officer in Assad's Syrian Arab Army, is reportedly leading the Alawite uprising in Syria's coastal region. Before the fall of the Assad regime, Dalla was the commander of the SAA's 42nd 'Ghiath' Brigade of the 4th Division, led by Assad's brother, Maher Al-Assad. General Dalla is seen as loyal to Iran.

Footage has come to light showing dozens of Alawite men in regular clothing kidnapped from their homes and then executed and dumped in the streets.

Below, an image for illustration. It has been blurred, and the video footage is too graphic to share.

According to field sources, intensive fighting continues in the coiuntryside of Latakia, Tartous and Hama, between Alawite-led units and Jolani's HTS Government. While the cities seem to be firmly under government control, anti-government Resistance forces have managed to secure large swaths of rural land.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has expressed its concern over the escalation in Syria, and confirms there have been several massacres committed against unarmed Alawite civilians throughout today, carried out by HTS-led Government Forces.

Calm has largely been restored in the cities of Latakia and Tartous, while clashes and limited fighting continues in the Jableh area and Qardaha, including the countryside, considered the Alawite heartland.

The HTS-led Syrian Government has regained control over several towns, most importantly the city of Jableh, where the fighting first erupted. The town of Qardaha was also recaptured by Government Forces, with remnants of the anti-government insurgents fleeing into the surrounding farmlands and heights.