Militant group claims responsibility for Syria’s Latakia wildfires
LATAKIA, Syria (North Press) – The militant group “Saraya Ansar al-Sunna” claimed on Sunday responsibility for the wildfires currently sweeping through the mountainous region of Latakia in western Syria.
The group, which frequently announces attacks motivated by sectarian and religious motives, asserted in a statement that its members set fire to forests in the Qastal area of Latakia governorate on July 3.
The fires, the group claimed, spread to other areas, leading to the displacement of local residents and cases of suffocation due to smoke inhalation.
The statement was posted on a Telegram channel bearing the group’s name.
“Saraya Ansar al-Sunna” is a relatively new and little-known faction. It had earlier claimed responsibility for the deadly bombing that targeted St. Elias Church in the Damascus suburb of al-Duwaila, which left over 70 people dead or wounded.