At least 14 law enforcement personnel were killed in western Syria overnight in an “ambush” by the former forces of deposed leader Bashar al-Assad, the interior ministry said on Thursday, in an indication of challenges for the country’s new government.

The Syrian transitional government is launching its first crackdown on political dissidents following an “ambush” by militants loyal to the old regime. A group of combatants still loyal to deposed President Bashar al-Assad reportedly killed 14 rebel police officers in the rural areas of Tartous province,

Interim administration says security forces ambushed while ‘performing their tasks of maintaining security and safety’

Shuja al-Ali Ali killed in fighting which led to deaths of 2 security personnel, left 10 others wounded - Anadolu Ajansı

U.S. forces in the Middle East conducted the second round of strikes in Syria in as many weeks, killing 12 enemy fighters Monday. Central Command, which oversees the American military in the region, said the targets included “ISIS leaders, operatives and camps,” though it didn’t say how many of each were targeted or what weapons were used.

New Syrian rebel-led authorities say personnel were killed in 'an ambush'

Syria's new rulers began an operation in western Tartous province, home to many from ousted leader Bashar Assad's Alawite sect. The killing of 14 police officers the previous day has irked the Islamist-led authorities.