Syria's Coastal Region Erupts in Violence as Ex-Assad Forces Rebel

Former regime loyalists, primarily from the Alawite minority, clash with the Islamist transitional government in the bloodiest conflict since Assad's fall.

Fighting broke out in Syria's coastal cities, including Latakia and Tartus, between ex-Assad military units and the Islamist transitional government, leaving at least 130 dead, according to reports.
The rebellion is led by former regime military figures, including Ghiath Suleiman Dalla, a former general of Assad’s elite 4th Division, who seeks to overthrow the new government and establish a 'national and democratic' foundation.
The transitional government has deployed hundreds of reinforcements and armored vehicles to the region, imposed nighttime curfews, and set up checkpoints as it struggles to regain control.
Human rights groups and activists have reported atrocities on both sides, including extrajudicial killings of Alawite civilians and violent reprisals against prisoners.
The Alawite minority, historically tied to Assad's regime, has called for UN intervention, fearing targeted violence and a lack of protection under the new government.

Westdeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung