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Security forces of Syria’s transitional administration have launched an operation in the coastal province of Tartus to neutralize threats from groups loyal to the ousted President Bashar al-Assad. The operation follows the recent killing of 14 police in the region, according to Reuters and SANA. 

According to Western media, on Thursday, the new Syrian government began implementing strict security measures in the Tartus area.

This move is in response to an attack on Ministry of Interior personnel. The Syrian government blames remnants of Assad’s regime and vows to pursue them. The attack, which occurred on December 26, resulted in the deaths of 14 law enforcement officers and left 10 others injured. The new government has described the attack on the police as an ambush.

Syrian state media reported the deployment of military operations department personnel to the village of Ma’arat al-Mu’azza in rural Tartus “to restore security and stability.”

According to SANA, the operation in Tartus is also aimed at “pursuing remnants of Assad’s forces in the forests and hills.”

Preventing the threat of interfaith conflicts in Syria

The recent incident of violence in the province of Tartus, home to many members of the Shia Alawite sect (to which Assad belongs), has become the most serious challenge for Syria’s new government, led by Sunni Islamists, since the removal of President Assad from power on December 8.

“Members of the Alawite minority, an offshoot of Shi’ite Islam, wielded huge sway in Assad-led Syria, dominating security forces he used against his opponents during the 13-year-long civil war, and to crush dissent during decades of bloody oppression by his police state,” Reuters notes.

Damascus authorities have also warned about attempts to provoke interfaith conflict.

Additionally, leaders of the rebel forces that ousted Assad, including representatives of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, have repeatedly pledged to protect minority groups who fear that the new government may attempt to impose an Islamist regime.

On December 26, Syrian state media reported that the governor of Latakia, Mohammed Othman, met with prominent figures and Alawite sect sheikhs to “encourage community cohesion and civil peace.”

Furthermore, Syria’s Ministry of Information confirmed it is preventing the spread and publication of “any media content or news with a sectarian tone aimed at spreading division.”

Earlier reports indicated that Syria’s transitional government had reached an agreement with rebel groups to disband them. The groups are to be united under one organization under the Ministry of Defense. However, according to media reports, the Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces group, supported by the United States, did not join the agreement.

On December 11, Syria’s new government assured it would protect all minority groups. Syrian refugees have been urged to return home.