Public institutions are now able ‘to resume operations and provide essential services,’ defense ministry spokesperson says - Anadolu Ajansı

The violence broke out when gunmen loyal to ousted president Bashar al-Assad ambushed a Syrian security patrol near the port city of Latakia.

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,