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Temporary Suspension of Military Operations in Syrian Coast
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The security disturbances in the coastal region reflect the failure of the Syrian Interim Caretaker Government to extend its control over areas with an Alawite majority
The Syrian newspaper "Al-Watan" reported today, Saturday, quoting a military source saying that the military operation in the coastal region in the west of the country has been suspended, until the removal of elements not affiliated with the security and military establishment.
The source insisted on pursuing those carrying weapons.
The newspaper indicated, quoting a source from the Ministry of Defense, saying "After regaining control over most of the areas where remnants of the former regime spread corruption and crime, the Ministry of Defense, in coordination with the General Security Administration, announces the closure of roads leading to the coastal area, in order to control violations and prevent abuses and gradually restore stability to the region."
The source emphasized that "the Ministry of Defense had previously formed an emergency committee to monitor violations and refer those who exceeded leadership instructions during the recent military and security operation to the military court."
The Ministry of Interior of the Syrian Interim Caretaker Government announced that the General Security Administration in Latakia has deployed its elements throughout the city and is establishing temporary checkpoints with the aim of maintaining security and preventing violations by some civilians in the area.
Syrian media reported that negotiations are currently taking place with notables of Wadi Al-Oyoun in the Masyaf countryside, where an agreement was reached to establish points inside the city to establish security and safety, and to hand over those who recently caused the killing of security personnel and the Ministry of Defense, and fled to the area recently.
In a related context, the General Security Administration reported that it had confiscated quantities of various weapons and ammunition in the city of Latakia.
The coastal region of western Syria, which is home to a majority of the Alawite sect, has been witnessing bloody conflicts since last Wednesday, claiming the lives of dozens.
The security agencies of the transitional government announced that they are engaged in clashes with armed groups affiliated with former officer Suhail Al-Hassan, who was one of the most prominent army leaders during the rule of Bashar Al-Assad, the former Syrian regime president, and others.
The Director of General Security Administration confirmed the fall of dead and wounded among the security forces in attacks launched by groups from the remnants of the former regime in Jableh and its surroundings.
The Syrian Ministry of Defense of the Syrian Interim Caretaker Government clarified on Friday evening that it had developed a strategy to control the situation with the aim of not expanding operations inside cities in order to preserve the safety of their residents.
These events reaffirm the failures of the centralized governance system applied by Assad's former regime, which placed the country's resources in the hands of a limited group, leading to many sectarian and regional tensions that are manifesting today in the coastal areas.
