The new Syrian Military Operations Department, in cooperation with the Interior Ministry, has launched an operation in Tartous province to maintain security and civil peace, targeting remnants of former President Bashar al-Assad's militias hiding in the region's forests and hills, according to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) on Thursday.

The operation follows a deadly ambush that occurred earlier, where 14 officers were killed and 10 others wounded. Interior Minister Mohammed Abdul Rahman confirmed the casualties, attributing the attack to remnants of Assad’s government. The officers were carrying out security duties to protect civilians when the assault occurred.