Security member killed in clashes with ex-regime gunmen in Syria’s Latakia
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – A member of the Internal Security Forces of the Syrian transitional government was killed and others were wounded on Monday during clashes with armed groups described as remnants of the former regime in the countryside of Jableh in Latakia Governorate, western Syria.
A government source told North Press that Zakaria al-Sheikh Hussein, from the town of Qastoun, was killed during an operation in the al-Qutaylibiyah area in Jableh countryside.
The operation targeted a former officer identified as Ghaith Shaheen and a group he allegedly led in the village of Baabda, where heavy gunfire erupted after security forces surrounded a house.
The source said that two men identified as Nassim Shaheen and Yamen Shaheen were killed in the clashes. Nizar Shaheen was wounded and detained along with his son. Ghaith Shaheen, who was also injured, was arrested with his son and several others during the raid.
He added that security forces initially cordoned off a house belonging to former officers in the village. Gunfire was then directed at the raiding force, prompting limited clashes before additional reinforcements were deployed.
The body of Yamen Shaheen was transferred by security forces, while search operations and a security deployment continued in the area.
Separately, Syria’s state-run news agency SANA, citing a security source, reported that one Internal Security member was killed and others injured during clashes with “remnants of the former regime” in Baabda village in Jableh countryside, without providing further details.