As previously reported, violent clashes have erupted between government-aligned armed forces and pro-Bashar al-Assad militias in the Syrian cities of Latakia and Tartus.

What triggered these clashes?

Axar.az, citing Turkish media, reports that on March 6, General Qiyat Suleiman Dala, a former brigade commander of the disbanded "Fourth Division" under the command of Maher al-Assad, issued a statement announcing the formation of the "Syrian Freedom Military Council" and declared himself its leader.

In his first message, Dala called on the people to join the council, stating its objectives as "liberating Syria, overthrowing the current regime, establishing a united and sovereign Syrian state, reorganizing state institutions based on national and democratic principles, and creating conditions for displaced people to return."

Following this call, clashes broke out in Latakia and Tartus.

Currently, tensions in the region remain high.