Government forces have clashed with Assad loyalists in Latakia and Jableh

More than 70 people have been killed in fighting between Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) forces and loyalists of former President Bashar Assad in Syria, according to reports. The clashes, which are the deadliest since the fall of Assad's government, are said to have broken out on Thursday in the country's coastal regions of Latakia, Jableh, and Tartus.

HTS, a jihadist group previously affiliated with Al-Qaeda, took control of Syria in late 2024 after a rapid military offensive, capturing Aleppo, Hama, and Homs before seizing Damascus on December 8. The takeover ended the Assad family's rule after more than five decades. The new administration is led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, the leader of HTS.

According to reports, Assad loyalists, who still have a foothold in Syria's coastal region, launched a surprise attack on HTS militants on Thursday. In response, government forces sent major reinforcements to the cities of Latakia and Tartus as well as nearby towns and villages.

The Associated Press has reported that more than 70 people have so far been killed in the fighting. Syria's state TV has also said that at least 13 members of the country's newly formed security forces were killed in an ambush orchestrated by Assad-linked militants in the area of Jableh.

The latest round of fighting has taken place near Russian military installations, including the Khmeimim Airbase near Latakia and a naval facility in Tartus. Following Assad's ousting, Russia has maintained a presence in Syria and has been in negotiations with the HTS-led government regarding the future of its bases. Syrian Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra stated last month that Damascus is willing to allow Russia to keep its naval and air bases in the country, provided it serves the Arab nation's interests.

Although Moscow had long supported and ultimately granted asylum to Assad when he was overthrown, it has continued diplomatic engagements with the new Syrian authorities. Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed support for Syria's territorial integrity and urged efforts to restore stability. Russia has also provided military and economic assistance to Syria as it navigates the transition under HTS rule.

The HTS-led government has stated its intention to unify the country but has ruled out holding elections for at least four years. Its leadership has instead focused on consolidating control and stabilizing governance.