According to official media, a tense and alarming situation prevails in this region after at least 13 security officers were killed in clashes with former Syrian army personnel in the towns of Al-Dalieh, Beit Anaa, Jableh and Banias.

Other sources estimated the death toll at 30 after six security personnel were killed in an ambush. Cameraman for Al-Jazeera Qatari channel, Riyad al-Hussein, was injured as he covered the events.

Images circulating on social media showed the authorities using helicopters to shell the gunmen’s positions, while Russian fighter jets flew over the nearby Russian airbase of Hemeimem.

These clashes coincided in time with demonstrations at different spots against the government’s operations in some localities inhabited by the Alawite Muslim minority.

In turn, the Defense Ministry issued a statement quoted by SANA agency, reporting that large military reinforcements are heading to the region of Jableh and its surroundings to support the Security Forces and restore order in the area.

The Tartous governorate announced a general curfew to ensure the safety of citizens.

ied/abo/mem/fm