Fighting in Syria kills 48 in violent clashes

Fighting in Syria's coastal town of Jableh has resulted in 48 deaths, marking the most violent clashes since the ousting of Bashar al-Assad in December. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that both security forces and pro-Assad fighters were among the casualties. Security forces captured General Ibrahim Huweija, a former head of air force intelligence, during the clashes. He is linked to numerous assassinations during Assad's rule. Helicopter strikes were also reported against armed groups in the region. In response to the violence, security forces imposed curfews in Alawite areas and military reinforcements were deployed. Tensions escalated after residents resisted an arrest related to arms trading, leading to further clashes.