UN chief voices concern over recent clashes in Syria's coastal city of Latakia

By Merve Aydogan

HAMILTON, Canada (AA) - UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday raised concern over the recent incidents that took place in Syria's coastal province of Latakia, calling all sides to cease hostilities.

"I can tell you, the Secretary General is concerned about the recent clashes on the coastal city of Syria, including reports of extrajudicial killings and civilian casualties," said UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric during a news conference.

Saying that Guterres "strongly condemns all violence in Syria and calls on the parties to protect civilians and cease hostilities," Dujarric also noted that the UN chief is "alarmed by the risk of escalating tensions among communities in Syria at a time where reconciliation and peaceful political transition should be the priority."

"After 14 years of conflict, Syrians deserve sustainable peace, prosperity and justice," he added.

On Thursday evening, protests and rallies were held in several regions of Syria in support of security forces.

Military and security forces from various parts of the country converged to assist in countering the largest assault by Assad loyalists in the coastal town of Jableh and its surrounding areas, resulting in the deaths of 11 members of the Syrian army.

Gayyas Delle, commander of a part of deposed regime forces, and involved in ambushing security forces, announced the formation of a military council aimed at overthrowing the current interim government.

Bashar Assad, Syria’s leader for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia on Dec. 8, ending the Baath Party’s regime, which had been in power since 1963.

Ahmed al-Sharaa, who led anti-regime forces to oust Assad, was declared president for a transitional period on Jan. 29.