Syrian customs officer killed, 2 wounded in armed ambush near Tartus

By Nour Mahd Ali Abuaisha and Lina Altawell

ISTANBUL (AA) - A Syrian customs officer was killed and two others wounded Friday in an armed ambush on the road linking the western cities of Baniyas and Tartus, state news agency SANA reported.

The Syrian Border Crossings and Customs Authority blamed the attack on remnants of the ousted Bashar Assad regime, describing it as a "treacherous armed ambush."

Mazen Alloush, the authority's director of international relations and cooperation, said the patrol came under attack while carrying out its duties.

Parts of Syria have witnessed sporadic attacks by unidentified gunmen or groups that authorities have linked to the former regime.

The Syrian administration says it is working to strengthen security, extend state control and restore stability after years of conflict.

Assad was ousted on Dec. 8, 2024, when opposition forces entered Damascus, ending his 24-year rule. His father, Hafez Assad, ruled Syria from 1971 to 2000.