The Syrian transitional government is launching its first crackdown on political dissidents following an "ambush" by militants loyal to the old regime.

Clashes between Islamists who took over Syria and supporters of ousted President Bashar Assad's government killed six Islamic fighters on Wednesday and wounded others, according to a British-based war monitor.

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

Militias loyal to Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which let the revolt against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, said they were heading to the Syrian coastal cities of Tartous and Latakia, historically loyal to the Assad regime.

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.