Syria's interim government announced on Thursday that 14 police officers were killed and ten others wounded during a clash with individuals loyal to the former dictator Bashar al-Assad.
The altercation took place on December 25 in Tartus Province as authorities searched for an official from the al-Assad regime, who is accused of ordering the execution of dissidents held at Saydnaya prison.
The country’s interior ministry condemned the assault in a Telegram statement, calling the attackers "remnants" of the preceding administration and vowing to retaliate against "anyone who dares to undermine Syria's security or endanger the lives of its citizens."
While the war-ravaged nation has remained relatively peaceful since a coalition of insurgent factions ousted al-Assad on December 8, reports have surfaced of tensions within the Alawite community, a minority Shia sect to which the deposed leader belonged.
State media reported Thursday that a curfew had been enforced for one night in Homs after protests erupted against the leading rebel faction, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.
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