Daijiworld Media Network - Damascus

Damascus, Mar 7: Heavy fighting has erupted in Syria’s coastal areas between forces linked to the new Islamist transitional government and fighters loyal to deposed president Bashar al-Assad. It marks the worst violence since Assad was overthrown in December.

The British-based Syrian Obse rvatory for Human Rights reported that at least 71 people have been killed, including 35 government forces, 32 fighters from Assad’s former regime, and four civilians. Several others have been wounded as clashes intensify in Homs, Latakia, and Tartous, where a curfew has been imposed.

Verified videos show gunmen engaging in intense firefights, with buildings set ablaze in Homs and bodies being dragged through Latakia streets. Assad loyalists have reportedly taken refuge in the Latakia mountains and Jableh city, launching ambushes against military forces and checkpoints.

Syrian-based Step news agency claimed that government forces killed about 70 former regime fighters and captured over 25 others in Jableh and nearby areas. Meanwhile, Syria’s Defence Ministry issued a stark warning to Assad loyalists, urging them to surrender or face "inevitable fate."

The Alawite minority, historically aligned with Assad, has faced increasing violence since his fall. The new government, led by interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa, also faces challenges in the south, where clashes with Druze forces have erupted.

Amid escalating tensions, Syria's foreign minister assured the global chemical weapons watchdog of the new government’s commitment to eliminating any remaining stockpiles from the Assad era, though the former regime denied ever using chemical weapons.