Clashing Perspectives From Syria’s Coastal City of Latakia
Supporters of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad pose for a photo during an inauguration of a memorial dedicated to military uniforms in Latakia city, on the 68th anniversary of army day, in this handout photograph distributed by Syria’s national news agency SANA on August 1, 2013. REUTERS/SANA/Handout via Reuters (SYRIA – Tags: ANNIVERSARY CIVIL UNREST MILITARY POLITICS CONFLICT) ATTENTION EDITORS – THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. IT IS DISTRIBUTED, EXACTLY AS RECEIVED BY REUTERS, AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS. FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NOT FOR SALE FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS – RTX127Q3
In recent weeks, Syria’s government says it has recaptured all rebel positions in the northern province of Latakia.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights could not confirm that the army had retaken all the rebel-held villages, but it said the government troops had gained more territory.
Latakia is the home province of President Bashar al-Assad, and Syria’s principal port city.
Tensions in Latakia are running high between members of diverse communities, including Sunnis, Alawites, Christians and other minorities.
We talked with two Latakia residents, an anti-government activist who uses the name “Omar,” and an Alawite who says she supports Syria’s Army.
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