Military operations against elements of the toppled Assad regime forces continue in Syria. In the clashes, at least 71 people have lost their lives so far. Search and sweep activities targeting the toppled regime forces are being expanded. Syrian President Ahmed Shara emphasized “national unity and solidarity” in his message regarding the events. The escalating tension in Syria is closely monitored by Ankara.

Military operations against elements of the toppled Assad regime forces continue in Syria. Following Dera, tension has escalated in Latakia as well. After units from Aleppo and Idlib joined the operation, clashes broke out in Latakia. The operation was carried out following an attack by toppled regime elements on security forces in the Beyt Ana village of Latakia. The operation targeted the toppled regime elements in Latakia and Tartus, described as large-scale by the Syrian official news agency SANA, and civilians were urged to stay in their homes. The Defense Ministry also announced that reinforcement forces were sent to the two cities.

At least 71 people have lost their lives in the clashes.

CALL FOR THOSE WILLING TO SURRENDER THEIR WEAPONS Security forces have also expanded search and sweep activities against the toppled regime forces. Those willing to surrender their weapons were called to head to the nearest security point. Previously, security forces had launched operations against the armed elements of the toppled regime who had refused to surrender their weapons in the Sanamayn district of Dera. Gayyas Delle, known as one of the groups that ambush security forces and identifying himself as the commander of the toppled regime’s Gays Forces, had announced that they had established a military council to overthrow the current administration.

PRESIDENT SHARA’S “UNITY” MESSAGE

The Syrian Presidency Media Office released Shara’s video message on the events in Latakia. Indicating that some remnants of the regime were trying to test the new Syria they were unfamiliar with, Shara stated, “And today, they see Syria anew, from east to west, from north to south, as a single and united entity.” Shara highlighted that protecting Syria was everyone’s shared responsibility and reported that what happened last night proved that there was no need to worry for a country and spirit that housed such people. Addressing the toppled Ba’ath regime forces, Shara evaluated, “We are a nation that wants to rebuild this country that you have destroyed, and we have no intention of shedding anyone’s blood. We are a nation that fights with honor, while you are dishonorably fighting.” Shara emphasized that what the toppled regime forces did was not surprising and stated that they would deliver a response they could not handle.”WE WILL NOT LET THEM ESCAPE” Shara emphasized that they would not let the toppled regime forces who aimed to provoke off the hook and would bring them to court. Reminding the regime forces, Shara used the phrase, “I remind you that God has placed the prisoner’s rank equal to that of an orphan and a needy person. ‘No matter how much they want for themselves, they feed the needy, the orphans, and the captives.’ (Qur’an verse). God has placed the prisoner in a position to be treated with kindness and compassion. Therefore, humiliating or beating the prisoner is not appropriate. This contradicts God’s command and then the country’s laws.” Shara stated that they were determined to collect weapons only in the hands of the state. Shara pointed out that it was their duty to protect the civilians living in the regions where conflicts occurred on the coastal side. Shara assessed, “Despite the betrayal we have suffered, the state will continue to be the guarantor of social peace. It will not allow anyone to touch it.” Shara demanded compliance with the commanders’ orders from all military units in conflict areas to prevent further violations. RISING TENSION MONITORED BY ANKARA The rising tension in Syria is closely monitored by Ankara. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, Öncü Keçeli, said, “Such provocations should not be allowed to become a threat to the peace and tranquility of Syria and the region.” Keçeli stated that Ankara was against any action targeting the right of Syrians to live in peace and welfare and said, “Turkey will continue to stand by the Syrian people and government.”