DAMASCUS, Dec. 29, (Xinhua/GBA) — Military forces of Syria’s interim administration, have begun deploying attack helicopters against what it described as “remnants of the former regime” in the country’s coastal regions, local media channels reported.
The helicopters are taking off from Istamo Airfield in rural Latakia, targeting armed elements still active in the coastal countryside, media channels cited a statement by the administration, which did not elaborate on the number of helicopters in use or the scope of the operation.
The deployment came as part of a series of security initiatives nationwide, aimed at consolidating the new leadership’s authority.
Also on Saturday, Syria’s newly-appointed intelligence chief, Anas Khattab, pledged in an official statement to restructure the country’s security apparatus “in a manner befitting our people’s sacrifices and long heritage.”
All existing security branches in Syria will be dissolved and reorganized, Khattab said, without outlining a timeline or providing specific details for the overhaul.
Khattab’s announcement came as Syria, navigates a sensitive political transition, following the downfall of the previous government on Dec. 8. A military coalition led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham waged a major military operation from northern Syria on Nov. 27.
It swept southwards, captured the capital Damascus, and overthrew former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s government within 12 days.
GNA