Syrian security forces launched a major crackdown on Thursday in the province of Tartous following an ambush that killed 14 policemen a day earlier. The attack, attributed to loyalists of ousted President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, has heightened tensions in the region, according to state media.

The operation, aimed at "controlling security, stability, and civil peace," targeted remnants of Assad’s militias in the wooded hills of Tartous, reported SANA, Syria’s state news agency. The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed the death of three gunmen affiliated with the former regime during the crackdown.

Details of the Ambush

The ambush occurred on Wednesday as security forces attempted to arrest Mohammed Kanjo Hassan, a former officer under Assad’s regime and a key figure in atrocities at the notorious Saydnaya prison. According to the Observatory, Hassan was responsible for issuing death sentences and arbitrary judgments against thousands of prisoners.

The arrest operation devolved into violence when Hassan’s brother and armed loyalists ambushed a security patrol near a village in Tartous, killing 14 officers. The attackers reportedly targeted the patrol vehicle, intensifying the unrest in the region.

Response from New Authorities

Interior Minister Mohammed Abdul Rahman vowed to crack down on "anyone who dares to undermine Syria's security or endanger the lives of its citizens." The security operation comes as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group instrumental in toppling Assad’s regime earlier this month, solidifies its authority in post-Assad Syria.

Alawite Protests Escalate

In parallel, protests erupted across Syria’s coastal regions, home to the Alawite minority closely associated with the ousted Assad regime. Demonstrators took to the streets after reports of violence and an unverified video showing an attack on an Alawite shrine.

The Alawite community, which makes up about 9% of Syria's population, fears retaliation due to its perceived loyalty to Assad. Protests in cities like Tartous and Homs turned deadly, with the Syrian Observatory reporting one death and five injuries after security forces opened fire to disperse crowds in Homs.

Syria’s interim authorities have denied the authenticity of the controversial video and have promised to protect minority groups. However, Middle East expert Fabrice Balanche cautioned that the Alawites’ association with Assad’s regime could provoke further violence.

As Syria undergoes a tumultuous transition, its interim leadership faces the dual challenge of consolidating authority while addressing fears of revenge violence among minority groups.