Syria launches crackdown in Assad stronghold

Syria launches crackdown in Assad stronghold after killings
Syria's new rulers began an operation in western Tartous province, home to many from ousted leader Bashar Assad's Alawite sect. The killing of 14 police officers the previous day has irked the Islamist-led authorities.
14 Syrian police killed in ambush as unrest spreads
Fourteen members of the Syrian police were killed in an "ambush" by forces loyal to the ousted government in the Tartous countryside, the transitional administration said early on Thursday, as demonstrations and an overnight curfew elsewhere marked the most widespread unrest since Bashar al-Assad's removal more than two weeks ago.
Syria: 17 killed in attempt to arrest ex-Assad officer
A Syria war monitor said 17 people were killed on December 25 in clashes in Tartus province after security forces sought to arrest an officer under deposed leader Bashar al-Assad who was linked to a notorious prison.
Syria: Over a dozen killed in 'ambush' by Assad loyalists
Several interior ministry personnel were killed in a clash as they went to arrest an officer of the ousted Assad regime. Meanwhile Alawites across the nation protested the decimation of a holy shrine.
Syrian police impose curfew in Homs after unrest
Syrian police have imposed an overnight curfew in the city of Homs, state media reported, after unrest there linked to demonstrations that residents said were led by members of the minority Alawite and Shi’ite Muslim religious communities.
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