Fighting breaks out between old and new government forces in Syria

At least 14 Interior Ministry employees of the Syrian interim government were killed in clashes with forces loyal to the ousted government in the Tartus region (northwest Syria) on December 25.

According to AFP news agency, the incident took place in the context of security forces of the Syrian interim government trying to arrest an officer under leader Bashar al-Assad, who is related to the notorious Saydnaya prison.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said the wanted man was identified as Mohammed Kanjo Hassan, an officer in Mr Assad's forces who served as director of the military justice department and chief judge of the field court.

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SOHR said 14 members of the new government's joint security forces were killed, along with "three armed men" in Khirbet al-Maaza.

Meanwhile, Syria's new Interior Minister Mohammed Abdel Rahman said four Interior Ministry employees of the Syrian interim government were killed and 10 others were wounded in a dangerous ambush by remnants of the former regime in Tartus province. The incident took place while Syrian officials were carrying out tasks to maintain security and protect civilians in the area.

A member of the Syrian security forces under the interim government stands guard on a street in the capital Damascus on December 24, 2024.

An official of the Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) force also confirmed clashes broke out between the new government's security forces and supporters of the old government in Tartus province, but did not provide details or comment on the incident.

Mr Rahman vowed to crack down on "anyone who dares to undermine Syria's security or endanger the lives of its people".

The attackers are believed to be linked to the former regime, but the statement did not provide further details. This is the latest incident related to the recent security turmoil in Syria and could exacerbate tensions between factions in the Middle Eastern country.

Earlier, Syrian police imposed an overnight curfew in the city of Homs, following unrest linked to protests led by members of the Alawite and Shi'ite Muslim religious minorities.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/giao-chien-giua-luc-luong-chinh-quyen-cu-moi-no-ra-o-syria-1852412261211404.htm