DAMASCUS/ISTANBUL

Syrian security forces discovered a large warehouse in Latakia containing ready-to-detonate explosive devices, the Interior Ministry announced Thursday.

“In a precise and well-coordinated security operation, the Latakia Security Directorate seized a large warehouse in the village of Bahamra in the Qardaha countryside containing explosive devices prepared for detonation, intended to target safe areas and destabilize security,” the ministry said in a statement.

A surge of unrest erupted on Syria’s coast on March 6 when Assad loyalists targeted security patrols and checkpoints in coordinated attacks, killing and injuring personnel. Subsequent security sweeps restored stability.

Bashar al-Assad, Syria’s leader for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia on Dec. 8, ending the Baath Party’s regime, which had been in power since 1963.​​​​​​​

Ahmed al-Sharaa, who led anti-regime forces to oust Assad, was declared president for a transitional period in January.