DAMASCUS, March 7 (Xinhua) -- Syrian interim President Ahmed Al-Sharaa on Friday night blamed remnants of the former regime for the escalating violence in Latakia province, vowing to bring those responsible to justice and ensure national stability.

 

In a recorded televised address speaking about the current flare-up in the coastal region, Al-Sharaa hailed security forces for swiftly containing the violence, which erupted after loyalists of the former government ambushed Syrian security units in the coastal province on Thursday, killing 16.

 

"Some remnants of the fallen regime sought to test the new Syria they do not understand," Al-Sharaa said. "But Syria today is united -- from east to west, north to south."

 

He reiterated that the state and the people are one, and vowed to pursue those responsible for attacking security forces and civilians.

 

"Those who insist on violence will be held accountable in a fair court," he declared, calling on former regime remnants to surrender their weapons immediately.

 

Despite the deadly clashes, Al-Sharaa urged restraint, instructing security forces to avoid excessive retaliation.

 

"What sets us apart from our enemies is our commitment to principles," he said, stressing the need to protect civilians in conflict zones.

 

However, monitoring groups like the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported civilian casualties as a result of violations reportedly committed by the Syrian forces in Latakia.

 

In a report on Friday evening, the Observatory said at least 237 people have been killed in Syria's coastal region since the latest military escalation began on Thursday.