ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - The Syrian defense ministry on Friday warned that anyone who refuses to hand over their weapons to the state will face a “decisive” and “uncompromising” response, after violent clashes broke out between security forces and loyalists of the ousted regime west of the country.

At least 70 people were killed and dozens more injured in Syria in clashes between Damascus security forces and loyalists of the ousted president Bashar al-Assad in the country’s western coastal regions on Thursday, according to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR).

The clashes continued in several areas on Friday.

Hassan Abdel Ghani, spokesperson for the defense ministry, said on Friday that their forces were able to achieve “rapid field advancements,” and reasserted control over areas where the clashes occurred.

“We carried out tight encirclement operations, which led to tightening the noose on the remaining elements of officers and remnants of the defunct regime, while the forces continue to advance according to the approved operational plans,” said the spokesperson in a statement.

Abdel Ghani added that all those involved in the attacks on the security forces will be handed over to the relevant authorities to face legal repercussions, assuring the public that the situation was now under control.

The spokesperson warned of “dire consequences,” stating that “anyone who refuses to hand over their weapon to the state will face a decisive response without compromise.”

Since Assad's toppling, Syria has seen clashes in regions that were once the deposed president's stronghold, often blamed on Assad supporters. The new Damascus authorities have launched several operations over the past three months, targeting “regime remnants” and making arrests.