Fierce clashes have broken out between security forces and supporters of Syrian former President Bashar al-Assad in the Latakia Governorate, where a Russian airbase is located.

According to the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), at least 48 people have been killed in the fighting. SOHR notes that these are the most violent clashes since the overthrow of Assad in December.

Among the dead are 16 security personnel, 28 Assad supporters, and four civilians, the BBC reports.

Earlier, the SANA news agency reported that supporters of the former president attacked a checkpoint in the city of Jableh on the Mediterranean coast. The Khmeimim Airbase operated by Russia is located nearby.