Syria’s new authorities have launched a security crackdown in a coastal region where 14 policemen were killed a day before, vowing to pursue remnants of the ousted Bashar al-Assad government accused of the attack.

The violence in Tartous province marks the deadliest challenge yet to the Islamist-led authorities which swept Bashar al-Assad from power.

Syria's new authorities on Thursday launched a security crackdown in a coastal region where 14 policemen were killed a day before, vowing to pursue 'remnants' of the ousted Bashar al-Assad government accused of the attack,

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.

Follow the latest on Syria Syria's new rebel rulers, led by Hayat Tahrir Al Sham, are starting to face significant domestic unrest marked by a bloody attack and widespread protests, their biggest governance challenge since seizing power more than two weeks ago.