The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said three militants were also killed in the clashes.

It added that the security forces later brought in reinforcements.

The rebels’ lightning offensive that started from Syria’s north-east and spread all over the country ended the Assad family’s more than 50-year-rule.

Assad and his family were forced to flee to Russia.

HTS has since promised to protect the rights and freedoms of many religious and ethnic minorities in Syria.

HTS is designated as a terrorist organisation by the UN, the US, the EU, the UK and others.

On Tuesday, protests broke out in the country over the burning of a Christmas tree, prompting fresh calls for the new authorities to protect minorities.