Syrian forces in deadly clashes with Assad-linked fighters in Latakia
Al JazeeraMAR 18
Deadly Clashes Erupt as Assad Loyalists Battle Syrian Forces
Above: Syrian women disembark from a bus during a prisoner exchange between forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad and rebels of the Sham Liberation Army on May 17, 2019. Image copyright: Anas Alkharboutli/picture alliance via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
The cowardly attacks by Assad loyalists demonstrate the need for robust security operations to eradicate the dangerous remnants of the old regime that threaten stability and continue to perpetrate violence against the civilian population. However, the new Syria will not let these isolated incidents deter it from its path to a prosperous future.
Establishment-critical narrative
The heavy clashes are a direct result of the new Syrian regime's brutal crackdown on all those who oppose the increasing lawlessness in the country following the toppling of Assad. However, the Western-backed extremist groups that have been integrated into the new extremist regime will not be able to stifle the people's cry for justice.