Syrian authorities report ‘horrific massacre’ with discovery of mass grave

Syrian authorities have discovered a mass grave containing the remains of police and security forces near the northwestern city of Qardaha, according to state news agency SANA on Sunday.

“A horrific massacre was carried out by remnants of the fallen regime against the police and security forces in the city of Qardaha,” SANA reported, citing a security source in Latakia province. No details were provided about when the killings took place.

The grim discovery comes as Syria’s Defense Ministry announced the beginning of the second phase of a military operation targeting supporters of the ousted Assad regime in rural and mountainous areas. This follows what the ministry described as the restoration of security in coastal cities.

The coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartus have experienced significant security tensions in recent days, with coordinated attacks by supporters of the deposed regime.

These attacks, described as the most severe since the December fall of the Assad government, have targeted security patrols, checkpoints, and hospitals, resulting in casualties.

Security and military forces have responded with sweeping operations to track down the attackers, leading to intense clashes throughout the region.

Ahmed al-Sharaa, who led the anti-regime forces that successfully ousted Assad, was declared president for a transitional period on Jan. 29.

The situation in northwestern Syria remains fluid as the new government attempts to solidify control over areas long loyal to the previous regime.