Syria's new rulers launch crackdown in Assad stronghold after deadly clashes

NEWS WIRES

26 December 2024 at 5:53 am·1-min read

Syria's new authorities on Thursday launched a crackdown in a Bashar al-Assad stronghold where 14 security personnel were killed a day before, vowing to pursue "remnants" of the ousted regime. Security forces clashed with locals in Tartus province on Wednesday when attempting to arrest an officer linked to the notorious Saydnaya prison.

Syria's new authorities launched an operation in a stronghold of ousted president Bashar al-Assad on Thursday, with a war monitor saying three gunmen affiliated with the former government were killed.

Assad fled Syria after an Islamist-led offensive wrested from his control city after city until Damascus fell on December 8, ending his clan's five-decade rule.

After 13 years of civil war sparked by Assad's crackdown on democracy protests, Syria's new leaders from Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) face the monumental task of safeguarding the multi-sectarian, multi-ethnic country from further collapse.

Rooted in Syria's branch of Al-Qaeda, a Sunni Muslim jihadist group, HTS has moderated its rhetoric and vowed to ensure protection for minorities, including the Alawite community from which Assad hails.

With 500,000 dead in the war and more than 100,000 missing, the new authorities have also pledged justice for the victims of abuses under the deposed ruler.

On Thursday, state news agency SANA said security forces launched an operation against pro-Assad militias in the western province of Tartus, "neutralising a certain number" of armed men.

Australian Associated Press
Sports role boosted, tasks divided as minister departs
A new minister has been added to the cabinet and several others have new responsibilities as Labor mainstay Bill Shorten steps away from politics.
Australian Associated Press
Villa spoils Moyes homecoming with win over Everton
Ollie Watkins ruined David Moyes' Everton homecoming with the only goal as Aston Villa secured their first away win in six attempts.
Australian Associated Press
Childcare centre pedophile appeals life sentence
A former childcare worker who was jailed for hundreds of child sexual offences is seeking to appeal his sentence on the grounds it was excessive.
Australian Associated Press
Biden and Trump jostle for credit for Gaza deal
US President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump are both arguing they were the major driving force behind the Gaza ceasefire deal reached by mediators.
Australian Associated Press
Repaying Tigers centre of Adam Doueihi's plans
After a horror run of knee injuries, Adam Doueihi is eyeing the chance to play alongside star recruits Jarome Luai and Sunia Turuva at Wests Tigers.
Australian Associated Press
Australia welcomes Gaza ceasefire, calls for more aid
Anthony Albanese has heralded a pause in hostilities and hostage release in Gaza, calling for more humanitarian aid to address the crisis.
Australian Associated Press
Greg Norman replaced as LIV Golf boss
An experienced sports executive has been named to replace Greg Norman as the boss of the breakaway golf series LIV Golf.
Australian Associated Press
Lyon lose French Cup penalty shootout to amateur team
Amateur team Bourgoin-Jallieu have upset five-time winners Lyon in a penalty shootout to reach the French Cup round of 16.
Australian Associated Press
South Africa criticised as 78 corpses pulled from mine
Rescuers have pulled 78 dead miners from an abandoned South African gold mine, where they have languished for months during a stand-off with authorities.
Australian Associated Press
Vanuatu in Australian aid request in earthquake rebuild
Port Vila's CBD and city waterfront remains off-limits a month after a deadly earthquake, prompting frustration and anger from business owners.
Australian Associated Press
Sweden building storage site for spent nuclear fuel
The Swedish government has announced the beginning of construction of a storage facility for spent nuclear fuel, buried 500 metres underground.
Australian Associated Press
McIlroy disappointed in young star's move to LIV Golf
Golfing superstar Rory McIlroy has expressed his disappointment about rising star and fellow Northern Ireland golfer Tom McKibbin's projected move to LIV Golf.
Australian Associated Press
Aussie IndyCar star Will Power links with Alonso agency
Two-time IndyCar champ Will Power has signed with an agent for the first time, linking up with F1 star Fernando Alonso's company.
Australian Associated Press
Scots' captain Tuipulotu to lead Aussies in Six Nations
Sione Tuipulotu, Jack Dempsey, Mack Hansen, Finlay Bealham and Monty Ioane make up a powerful Australian brigade in the Six Nations rugby championship.
Australian Associated Press
Unemployment may not rise enough for interest rate cut
Unemployment may not rise as much as the Reserve Bank wants for rate cuts, as employers look for more workers, whose wages are not keeping up with inflation.
Australian Associated Press
Kokkinakis injury set to scupper Kyrgios reunion
The hotly-anticipated renewal of the Nick Kyrgios-Thanasi Kokkinakis 'Special Ks' doubles partnership at John Cain Arena looks off the cards again.
Australian Associated Press
'Tragic reminder': 16yo dies in Xmas alcohol poisoning
A coroner has found the death of a 16-year-old boy after consuming more than a dozen drinks surrounded by family at a Christmas lunch could have been prevented.
Australian Associated Press
Crossbench kingmakers could hold sway in house divided
Veteran independents say a minority government could get more done but caution crossbenchers against trying to set deals in stone with the major parties.
Australian Associated Press
Light-bulb moment on clean energy yet to come for many
Renewable energy has been powering Australia for decades but a lack of public awareness has allowed furphies to fester ahead of a vital election, experts warn.
Australian Associated Press
S Korean investigators question arrested President Yoon
Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has been questioned for hours by investigators after he turned himself in.

Latest stories