Latakia, Syria – Syrian security forces in Latakia province, western Syria, carried out a swift and precise security operation on Tuesday. The operation resulted in the elimination of the leader of the so-called “Saraya al-Jawad” group and two of his top aides in the Jableh countryside.
This action underscores the continued pursuit of all armed cells that threaten stability during Syria’s transitional phase.
Operation details: An hour of intense clashes
Brigadier General Abdul Aziz al-Ahmad, the head of internal security in Latakia,
revealed that the operation targeted one of the most dangerous strongholds of armed militias on the coast.
He indicated that the forces carried out a coordinated “dual operation” in the areas of Beit Alouni and Basniya in the Jableh countryside.
This followed precise intelligence monitoring of the group’s leaders’ movements.
He added that the clashes lasted for about an hour and involved the use of machine guns and medium weapons.
The clashes resulted in the death of the militia leader, Bashar Abdullah Abu Ruqayya, and two of his group’s commanders. The forces also managed to encircle the remaining members, arresting six of them and transferring them for interrogation.
Destruction of a warehouse for explosive devices
The operation not only neutralized the leadership but also destroyed a secret warehouse containing large quantities of weapons, ammunition, and explosives.
The warehouse served as a storage center and operations room for directing armed attacks in the province.
Brigadier General al-Ahmad indicated that the warehouse was safely detonated after the surrounding area was evacuated. He emphasized that the operation represented a significant blow to the military security of the militias on the Syrian coast.
The Internal Security chief confirmed the martyrdom of one member of the Special Forces during the clashes and the minor injury of another.
He added that the blood of security personnel is the guarantee for protecting citizens and the gains of the Syrian people.
Escalating security context
Since last January, the Syrian Ministry of Interior has intensified its operations in the Hama countryside (Masyaf region) and the Latakia countryside.
These areas were considered strongholds of the former regime, where approximately 6,331 people have been arrested
since the regime’s fall on suspicion of involvement in crimes or coordination with the “fugitive head of the regime.”
These arrests included officials responsible for arms procurement and individuals accused of committing serious violations against civilians.
This move aims to definitively close the file on security abuses.
The “Jawad Brigades” are among the groups that pose a significant threat in the Jableh countryside.
This is due to the deployment of its members in rugged mountainous terrain,
making the neutralization of its leadership today a major step towards securing the Syrian coast.
