Fatal Clashes Erupt Amid Alawite Protests in Syria

Violent confrontations broke out in Syria on Sunday following widespread demonstrations by members of the Alawite community, according to local activists and security sources. The incidents led to several fatalities and numerous injuries, reflecting ongoing unrest in the country after the ousting of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.

Reports from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an organization monitoring the conflict from London, indicated that at least two individuals died in the coastal city of Latakia. Dozens more were injured in the provinces of Latakia and Tartus as tensions escalated between supporters and opponents of the former government.

State media sources confirmed the death of a government security officer in Latakia, attributing the act to armed groups allegedly linked to the deposed regime. These accounts highlight the volatile environment following the regime change, with security forces and civilians frequently targeted in acts of violence.

The current wave of protests was reportedly sparked by a call from Ghasal Ghasal, a prominent Alawite leader. Ghasal encouraged Alawite community members to assert their right to self-determination. The Alawites, a religious minority in Syria and the sect to which Assad belongs, have organized large-scale demonstrations across several provinces, including Latakia, Tartus, Homs, and Hama. Witnesses noted that banners calling for an end to violence against Alawites were visible at these gatherings.

According to the Observatory, the demonstrations were met with force from both government loyalists and security personnel. Incidents of violence were not limited to civilian protesters; authorities also reported attacks on police forces. The head of Latakia's security forces, Brigade General Abdel-Asis al-Ahmad, stated that several officers were injured, and police vehicles sustained damage during clashes with Assad loyalists.

Since Assad's removal from power, Syria has experienced a surge in sectarian violence, particularly against minority groups. The country's population is predominantly Sunni Muslim, but it also includes Kurds, Alawites, and other religious minorities. The transitional government, led by President Ahmed al-Scharaa, has publicly pledged to protect minority rights amidst the ongoing instability.

In a separate incident two days prior, a deadly attack targeted a mosque in Homs, a city with a significant Alawite presence. Official reports stated that eight people were killed and eighteen injured in what the Interior Ministry described as a terrorist act. The mosque was mainly frequented by Alawite worshippers, suggesting that the attack may have been motivated by sectarian tensions.

The situation in Syria remains highly volatile, with frequent reports of violent outbreaks and targeted attacks against various communities. Despite promises from transitional authorities to restore security and safeguard minority groups, the cycle of unrest and reprisal continues to pose significant challenges for the country's future stability.