Interim officials in Syria reported clashes on Wednesday between Islamists who recently took control of the country and supporters of ousted President Bashar Assad's government. The violence resulted in the deaths of two Islamic fighters from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and left several others wounded. The exact cause of the confrontation and the parties responsible for instigating the clashes remain unclear.
Following Assad's departure from Syria and the subsequent dismantling of his administration, the transition of power has been relatively smooth. However, concerns arise as the Islamist insurgents, rooted in fundamentalist ideology, have yet to outline a clear plan for power-sharing or the establishment of a pluralist system.
Since Assad's ouster, reports indicate acts of revenge resulting in the deaths of numerous individuals, primarily from the Alawite community, to which Assad belongs. Sectarian tensions have flared in various regions, including Damascus, where Alawite protesters clashed with Sunni counter-protesters, leading to gunshots being heard.
Meanwhile, in the Idlib region, residents are slowly rebuilding their lives after years of conflict. Many who were forcibly displaced during the war are returning to find their homes destroyed and their possessions lost. The city of Idlib, under the control of HTS, has been a target of government attacks, further complicating the recovery process for returning residents.
In Damascus, authorities seized and destroyed a significant quantity of drugs, including Captagon and cannabis, reportedly used by Assad's forces. The confiscation of a million Captagon pills and hundreds of kilograms of cannabis aimed to curb the illicit activities associated with the former regime.
The situation in Syria remains fragile as the country navigates the aftermath of Assad's departure and the challenges of rebuilding a war-torn nation. Follow the latest developments in Syria at AP's Syria coverage.
