Deadly Clashes in Syria’s Coastal Cities

Syrian government forces have been deployed to the coastal cities of Latakia and Tartous following violent protests that left at least four people dead and 108 injured.

The unrest marks a fresh challenge for President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who has been working to stabilize Syria and reintegrate the country internationally after 14 years of civil war.

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Government Response

The Syrian Ministry of Defence reported that army units, including tanks and armored vehicles, entered city centers to counter attacks by “outlaw groups” targeting civilians and security personnel.

State news agency SANA claimed that the violence was linked to “remnants of the defunct Assad regime” during protests in Latakia, with dozens injured from stabbings, stone-throwing, and gunfire.

Al Jazeera confirmed that security forces were shot at near the Azhari roundabout in Latakia, while two personnel were injured in Tartous after a hand grenade attack at the al-Anaza police station in Baniyas.

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Alawite Minority Protests

The demonstrations were organized by thousands of Alawite Syrians, who protested against violence, discrimination, and government neglect in their heartlands.

The protests followed a mosque bombing in Homs on Friday, which killed eight people and was claimed by the Sunni group Saraya Ansar al-Sunna.

Ghazal Ghazal, an Alawite spiritual leader, called for federalism and autonomy for minority communities and urged international attention:

“We do not want a civil war, we want political federalism. We do not want your terrorism. We want to determine our own destiny.”

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Protester Demands vs Counterprotests

Protester Ali Hassan emphasized the need for safety and local governance:

“We just want to sleep in peace and work in peace, and we want federalism. If this situation continues, then we want federalism. Why is it that every day or every other day, 10 of us are killed?”

Meanwhile, counterprotester Mohammad Bakkour voiced support for the government, accusing antigovernment demonstrators of promoting sectarianism and chaos:

“The entire people are calling for one people and one homeland, but they do not want one people or one homeland – they want sectarianism, chaos, problems, and federalism for their personal interests.”

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Context

The protests and subsequent deployment of government forces highlight ongoing sectarian tensions in Syria and the delicate position of the Alawite minority, which was prominent under the Assad regime.

As the country continues its recovery from years of civil war, incidents like these illustrate the fragility of security and political stability in the coastal regions of Syria.