A new Syrian Civil War? Clashes break out on Syrian coast and elsewhere

Mere months after Syrian dictator Bashar Assad was deposed by rebel forces under Ahmad "Julani" a-Sharaa, clashes renewed yesterday (Thursday) in multiple locations between Syrian government forces and its opponents.

The focus of the clashes is currently along the Syrian coast, especially cities like Latakia and Tartus. This region is dominated by members of the Alawites, a minority group within Islam and Syria which served as the foundation of the Assad regime both under Hafez and Bashar.

Yesterday, Assad supporters together with former Syrian Army officers coordinated an attack on Syrian government military positions and took over thirty government soldiers prisoner, according to Kann News.

In retaliation, the government sent thousands of reinforcements from other parts of the country to crack down on the insurrection, suffering and inflicting many casualties. Some videos were posted on social media showing the bodies of Assad supporters being dragged in the street or stomped on.

Kann reporter Roi Kais said that "sources affiliated with the Assad regime have begun circulating a proclamation announcing the "establishment of the Military Council for the Liberation of Syria" - a new organization.

"According to the proclamation, the organization's goals are: liberating all Syrian territory from all occupying and terrorist forces; overthrowing the current regime and dismantling its despicable sectarian oppressive mechanisms; protecting the lives and property of Syrian citizens; rebuilding state institutions on national and democratic foundations; and preparing conditions for the return of refugees and displaced persons to their homes.

"The proclamation is signed by General Ghiyath Suleiman-Dala, who was one of the commanders of Assad's regime army, and is accused of being responsible for carrying out numerous massacres against Syrian citizens during the civil war, such as the Darayya massacre in 2012."

The Syrian government is trying to broadcast an image of "business as usual" on its official media outlet the day after the clashes, while Saudi Arabia has expressed support for the official government and condemned "crimes by lawbreakers."