Syrian security forces have killed several Assad regime loyalists in an operation in the coastal city of Latakia, official media said, as residents reported more killings of minorities.
The announcement came a month after sectarian massacres against the Alawite population of the coast raised international concerns about whether minorities can survive under the new post Bashar Al Assad order.
The authorities did not say how many people were killed in the operation. Residents said that at least two young men, brothers Mahran and Mohammad Adira, were killed. Security forces apprehended them at the All Azhari roundabout in the north of the city, and shot them on the spot, leaving their bodies in the street, according to the residents.
Since the fall of Bashar Al Assad at the end of least year, President Ahmad Al Shara has sent troops and militias to subdue Alawite coastal areas that formed the heartland of support for his predecessor. Sectarian bloodshed in the region quickly followed, culminating in the killing of at least 1,300 people, mostly Alawite civilians, on March 7 and 8.
Official media quoted a police commander in Latakia as saying that a special force “engaged” on Wednesday with the head of a “cell belonging to regime remnants” who had killed two policemen last month. The cell’s chief and at least one of its members “were neutralised”, the official said. "No effort will be spared in the pursuit of all terrorist groupings and striking [at them] with an iron fist," he added.
An Alawite businessman who lives near in the roundabout, and who did not want to be named for fear of persecution, said that even if the brothers were regime loyalists "it was not the way to deal with them".
"The Sunnis I know are outraged at what is happening to us, but they cannot say anything," he said. “If they don't kill us, they rob our houses or steal our cars," he said.
He said incidents of Alawites being kidnapped or killed have been occurring daily in Latakia and other coastal urban areas, such as Baniyas, Jablah and Tartus, which form the heartland of the minority sect, to which Mr Al Assad and most of the former ruling elite belonged.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that three unarmed men were killed in the Al Azhari roundabout operation. One of them was wanted in a legal case while the other two were on their way back to work. A video purportedly showed gunmen stomping on the body of one of the three in front of passing cars.
A teacher in the coastal city of Jablah said that fear continues to grip the city, which has a large Alawite population, and that most pupils are not attending school. Security forces, she said, where checking IDs in the streets, subjecting Alawites to extra scrutiny, with some disappearing after being seized.
Why your domicile status is important
Your UK residence status is assessed using the statutory residence test. While your residence status – ie where you live - is assessed every year, your domicile status is assessed over your lifetime.
Your domicile of origin generally comes from your parents and if your parents were not married, then it is decided by your father. Your domicile is generally the country your father considered his permanent home when you were born.
UK residents who have their permanent home ("domicile") outside the UK may not have to pay UK tax on foreign income. For example, they do not pay tax on foreign income or gains if they are less than £2,000 in the tax year and do not transfer that gain to a UK bank account.
A UK-domiciled person, however, is liable for UK tax on their worldwide income and gains when they are resident in the UK.
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How being social media savvy can improve your well being
Next time when procastinating online remember that you can save thousands on paying for a personal trainer and a gym membership simply by watching YouTube videos and keeping up with the latest health tips and trends.
As social media apps are becoming more and more consumed by health experts and nutritionists who are using it to awareness and encourage patients to engage in physical activity.
Elizabeth Watson, a personal trainer from Stay Fit gym in Abu Dhabi suggests that “individuals can use social media as a means of keeping fit, there are a lot of great exercises you can do and train from experts at home just by watching videos on YouTube”.
Norlyn Torrena, a clinical nutritionist from Burjeel Hospital advises her clients to be more technologically active “most of my clients are so engaged with their phones that I advise them to download applications that offer health related services”.
Torrena said that “most people believe that dieting and keeping fit is boring”.
However, by using social media apps keeping fit means that people are “modern and are kept up to date with the latest heath tips and trends”.
“It can be a guide to a healthy lifestyle and exercise if used in the correct way, so I really encourage my clients to download health applications” said Mrs Torrena.
People can also connect with each other and exchange “tips and notes, it’s extremely healthy and fun”.
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