Syrian Observatory for Human Rights
Bombardment of al-Hiffa renewed, increase in casualties.
Latakia province: There is a renewed attack by syrian troops on the area of al-Hiffa (the villages of Bekas, Shirqaq, Babna, al-Jenkeel and al-Dafeel). The area which has witnessed intense fighting between rebel fighters and Syrian troops, as well as bombardment, throughout the day, with a brief calm period at sunset. Syrian forces used helicopters to bomb the villages.
The developing result of the clashes, documented so far by the SOHR with the help of local activists and medical professionals, stands at the following:
– 2 civilian martyrs, dozens injured.
– 9 rebel fighters killed, including a defected officer.
– 22 soldiers or security members killed.
6 military vehicles (tanks, armed personnel carriers) have been either destroyed or neutralized. One military vehicle commandeered.
Ambulances have been spotted throughout the day scurrying in the city of Latakia, or on the Latakia-Banias road, carrying the dozens of wounded soldiers from the battlefield.