Syrian security forces launched an operation in the western governorate of Tartus on Thursday against armed groups loyal to ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, LBCI reported.

According to local media, the operation "eliminated a number" of opponents of the new Syrian administration. There were also reports of people being detained.

Earlier, it was reported that 14 Interior Ministry employees were killed in Syria during clashes with forces of former President Assad's administration. The clashes took place in a rural area outside the city of Tartus.

On December 8, the armed Syrian opposition announced the capture of Damascus and started forming transitional authorities.