16 security personnel killed in Syria unrest

Gunmen loyal to Bashar al-Assad killed 16 security personnel in Latakia, marking the most violent unrest since his ouster. The attacks occurred in Jableh and surrounding areas, with most victims from Idlib, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Clashes erupted after residents in Beit Ana resisted security forces attempting to arrest an arms trader. Syrian forces responded with airstrikes and artillery, leading to further violence and calls for protests from Alawite leaders against the strikes on civilian homes. In response to the unrest, large military reinforcements were deployed to Jableh. Supporters of the security forces gathered in Idlib, calling for action against the gunmen. The situation follows previous tensions that resulted in civilian casualties during security operations.