A deadly clash between Syrian security forces and pro-Assad fighters erupted on Thursday, resulting in the deaths of 48 people, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR). The London-based monitoring group described the violence as "the most violent attacks against the new authorities since Assad was toppled."

The incident occurred near the town of Jableh, located in the coastal province of Latakia, a stronghold of Syria's Alawite minority, to which ousted President Bashar al-Assad belongs. Supporters of Assad ambushed and killed 16 police personnel in what Latakia security official Mustafa Kneifati called a "well-planned and premeditated attack." In response, Syrian security forces engaged in clashes that left 28 pro-Assad fighters and four civilians dead.

Security forces reportedly used helicopter gunships to target the ambushers, who allegedly included fighters loyal to former Syrian army General Suheil al-Hassan. However, it remains unclear whether al-Hassan was directly involved in the fighting.

In a related development, state-run news agency SANA reported the arrest of former senior intelligence official Ibrahim Hweiji, who is believed to have organized the 1977 assassination of Lebanese Druze leader Kamal Joumblatt.

Sectarian Tensions Rise in Alawite Strongholds

Following the attacks, the Syrian government deployed significant military reinforcements to the region and imposed overnight curfews in Alawite-populated areas, including Tartus and Homs, Syria's third-largest city. Local media quoted security official Sajed al-Deek as saying the situation is now under control. He dismissed claims that the attacks were carried out by Alawites and urged against stoking sectarian divisions.

Tensions in Alawite-majority regions have escalated as Sunni militants target the minority group, which was historically dominant under Assad's rule. The Syrian government, led by rebels who overthrew Assad in December, has warned against collective punishment and sectarian violence. However, residents and observers have accused security forces of committing abuses, including home seizures, executions, and kidnappings, in their efforts to root out Assad loyalists.

The government has dismissed these allegations as "isolated incidents" and pledged to hold those responsible accountable. Meanwhile, the violence underscores the fragile security situation in Syria as the new authorities struggle to maintain control and prevent further sectarian strife.