(Adnkronos) – Syria has deployed the army in the coastal cities of Latakia and Tartous after demonstrations led to deadly clashes in which at least three people were killed and 60 others were injured. This is the latest unrest challenging the nascent government of President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who is working to stabilize the nation and reintegrate it internationally after 14 years of devastating civil war.
The Syrian Defense Ministry announced yesterday that army units with tanks and armored vehicles entered the city centers in the western part of the country in response to attacks by “outlaw groups” against civilians and security forces, with the mission of restoring stability. The Syrian state news agency Sana, citing officials, reported that the attacks were perpetrated by “remnants of the defunct regime” of former President Bashar al-Assad during protests in Latakia.
Sana agency stated that 60 people were injured by “stabbings, stone-throwing, and gunfire targeting both security personnel and civilians.” Reportedly, clashes erupted when protesters confronted pro-government demonstrators and armed, masked men opened fire on security personnel. The Interior Ministry stated in a communiqué that a police officer was among the casualties. An Al Jazeera crew confirmed that the shots were directed at Syrian security forces at the Azhari roundabout in Latakia, while two security personnel were injured in Tartous after unknown individuals threw a hand grenade at the al-Anaza police station in Baniyas.
