In the middle of clashes between the Islamist groups and supporters of ousted President Bashar Al-Assad in Syria, around 17 lives have been claimed, including 14 security personnel on Wednesday. The clashes took place in Tartus province of Syria after a military justice official of the deposed leader has been arrested.

During the conflict, 14 members of the General Security Force of Syrias new authorities were killed along with three armed men in Khirbet al-Maaza, raising the earlier death toll of 9, the Syrian Observatory of Human Rights reported.

Notably, these casualties were members of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the group that successfully overthrew former President Assad in recent weeks.

Minister of Inferior Confirms Escalation

Mohammed Abdel Rahman, the Minister of Interior in Syrias transitional government, confirmed the incident and stated, 14 Interior Ministry personnel were killed and 10 others wounded after a treacherous ambush by remnants of the criminal regime in the province.

Ongoing Clashes in Syria

According to the nations observatory, the war has erupted in Khirbet Al-Maaza, an Alawite community, which was previously aligned with deposed leader Bashar Al-Assad.

The forces were attempting to apprehend Mohammed Kanjo Hassan, a former military justice department officer. He has been accused of issuing death sentences and arbitrary rulings during former President Assads leadership.

The sources said that the wanted officials brother and support forces attacked their patrol vehicle and opposed the house searches in the village, resulting in the detaining of dozens of people.

Mohammed Kanjo Hassans Involvement in Violence at Saydnaya Prison

The reports also claimed that Officer Hassan has been involved in atrocities at the Saydnaya prison. He has been arrested after a violent operation by rebel forces.

The Saydnaya Prison is a location that is linked with Syrias history of disappeared people and prisoner violence. This prison is known for systematic executions and torture that happened during Assads regime.

Following the Islamist groups, Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham successfully overthrew Assad earlier this month; they opened the doors of prison. This happened after 13 years of Assads harsh crackdown on anti-government protests that erupted the war that killed over 500,000 people.

Meanwhile, this current attack has highlighted the ongoing conflicts and instability in the region in maintaining security and implementing justice after Assads ouster, despite the transitional government having come into power.

President Bashar Al-Assads Ouster

Additionally, Bashar Al-Assad was ousted from power in Syria following a rapid and intense escalation of war by rebel forces. In November 2024, the armed opposition groups led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham launched a large-scale attack on Assads government in Northwestern Syria.

The rebel forces quickly captured the numerous villages and towns, weakening the Syrian army. By the December 2024, they have successfully acquired the capital city of Damascus, resulting the administrative ministers surrendered and flee.

On December 8, 2924, Bashar Al-Assad fled the country. He reportedly sought asylum in Russia, marking the end of his 24 years of regime.