At least 16 government security personnel were killed in a coastal region that was long a stronghold of the toppled Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad.

Assad's ouster, with over 70 killed in fighting between security forces and pro-Assad militants in Latakia., Middle East News - Times Now

Syrian forces loyal to the new government in Damascus have engaged in heavy fighting with remnants of the ousted Assad regime in a coastal area in the country's north-west. At least 13 soldiers have been killed in the clashes in Latakia province,

Forces allied to Syria's new government on Wednesday battled with militias in the south and near the Mediterranean coast, leaving at least 20 people dead, including civilians. Sources said the fighting in the coastal city of Latakia and in the town of Sanamin in Deraa province has left at least 20 people dead since Monday.