Syrian Foreign Minister: The Country Is Facing, Hidden War
The death toll from the Latakia clashes has risen to 147, making it one of the deadliest confrontations since Bashar al-Assad’s ouster
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Syrian authorities declared full control over Tartus and Latakia on Friday, following intense clashes between security forces and pro-Assad militants.
The Syrian Defense Ministry spokesperson, Hassan Abdul Ghani, confirmed that ongoing operations aim to neutralize the remnants of the former regime, ensuring those responsible for the recent violence are held accountable.
"We will not tolerate any group refusing to surrender their weapons; they will face a decisive response," Abdul Ghani warned. He also urged civilians who had mobilized in support of security forces to return to their homes, assuring them that “the situation is under complete control.”
Syrian Foreign Minister Reaffirms Commitment to Stability Amid Challenges
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani reiterated that the country is steadily progressing toward a stable future, emphasizing that recent events will not derail its advancement.
“Since the first day, there has been a hidden and declared war aimed at breaking the will of the Syrian people and undermining them in the realms of security, politics, and governance. This has been done through spreading chaos domestically and attempting political isolation abroad,” al-Shaibani stated.
He praised the efforts of the new Syrian leadership under President Ahmed al-Sharaa, noting that rational steps have been taken to strengthen security, stability, and national unity since the fall of Bashar al-Assad. In a post on X, Shaibani described these efforts as laying the groundwork for an inclusive nation where all Syrians are represented under the rule of law.
Highlighting the resilience of the Syrian people, Shaibani said, “For over five decades, Syrians endured exclusion and oppression, sacrificing everything for this moment. What happened yesterday cannot succeed in a nation where the army and the people are one.”
He also expressed gratitude to friendly nations for their support in confronting pro-Assad insurgents, acknowledging the recent diplomatic backing from regional allies.
Intelligence Chief Warns Pro-Assad Militants
Syrian Intelligence Chief Anas Khattab issued a direct warning to supporters of the ousted president Bashar al-Assad, urging them to surrender immediately to security forces.
"You have no option but to lay down your weapons and surrender to the nearest security authority to ensure Syria's stability," Khattab stated.
He accused former military and intelligence figures loyal to Assad—many of whom fled abroad—of orchestrating the recent violence.
"For 90 days since the liberation of Damascus, some deluded individuals thought they could reverse the will of our great people. They launched their treacherous operation, costing us the lives of our finest army, security, and police personnel," he added.
Khattab also vowed that those responsible for bloodshed would face justice and cautioned: “You have been deceived by hidden hands. There will be no forgiveness for those with blood on their hands.”
Security Operations Intensify in Assad’s Hometown
Following the deadly clashes, Syrian security forces launched operations in Qardaha, the ancestral home of the Assad family, to neutralize remaining insurgents.
A Syrian Defense Ministry source told Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) that "precision military operations" are underway in coordination with security forces to eliminate Assad loyalists responsible for recent violence in Latakia and Tartus.
Death Toll Rises to 147 in Latakia Clashes
The death toll from the Latakia clashes has risen to 147, making it one of the deadliest confrontations since Bashar al-Assad’s ouster.
Initially, 52 fatalities were reported, but according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), the number has now climbed to 69.
Since Thursday, the ongoing violence has claimed 78 additional lives, including 37 security personnel, 34 pro-Assad militants, and seven civilians, according to SOHR.
The escalating violence has heightened concerns over remaining pockets of armed resistance in western Syria. Authorities have enforced a strict curfew in multiple coastal areas as they continue efforts to fully restore order.
