Syria28 December, 20252 min read
Former Assad Loyalists Attack Security Forces and Civilians in Latakia, Kill At Least Three
This article is an automated aggregation of coverage from news outlets. Our editorials offer in-depth analysis curated by the NewsCord team.
Clashes in Latakia killed at least three people. Former Assad loyalists attacked security forces and civilians during Latakia protests.
9 outlets told this the same way.
Outlets did split on Asad Al-Shaibani Meets Saddam Haftar in Benghazi Over Syrian Consulate And Missing Syrians →
Coastal Syria clashes
Violent clashes erupted on Sunday in Syria’s coastal cities of Latakia and Tartous during rallies called by Alawite figures. At least three people were killed and dozens were wounded amid accusations that former regime elements had carried out attacks. Middle East Eye reported the demonstrations were mobilised by Alawite sheikh Ghazal Ghazal, head of the Supreme Alawite Islamic Council, and said more than 60 people were injured.
“Clashes in the coastal cities of Tartous and Latakia turned violent after confrontations between rival groups, with security forces firing into the air to try to break them up.”
AAP said three people were killed and more than 40 wounded after a protest by thousands of Alawites in Latakia’s Azhari Square descended into gunfire and chaos. France 24 described confrontations between rival groups that turned violent, with security forces firing into the air to try to break them up. Devdiscourse summarised that security forces intervened to control the incident and that their actions led to additional fatalities and injuries, according to agency reports.
Violence in Syrian protests
Reports attribute the violence to a mix of armed remnants of the old regime, rival demonstrators, and chaotic clashes during the protests. AAP quoted state news agency SANA saying one member of the security forces was killed by gunfire from 'armed remnants of the former regime'. Middle East Eye reported that Syria's Interior Ministry said security forces protecting demonstrators were attacked by armed groups tied to remnants of the Assad regime, and that arrests were made.
Middle East Eye also named a specific arrest, saying Basel Issa Ali Jamahiri, a member of an armed group called 'Saraya al-Jawad', allegedly confessed to hiding weapons. France 24 noted a grenade attack and that security vehicles were set on fire.
Security response to unrest
The security response included armoured units and arrests as authorities sought to restore order. Reporting differs on whether forces primarily protected demonstrators or escalated violence. Middle East Eye reported that the Defence Ministry said Syrian Arab Army units, supported by armoured vehicles, entered Latakia and Tartous to restore order.
“The Defence Ministry said Syrian Arab Army units, supported by armoured vehicles, entered Latakia and Tartous to restore order.”
Al-Jazeera Net described heavy policing, road closures and steps to pursue regime figures said to be trying to provoke unrest. France 24 observed security forces firing into the air to try to break up gatherings, while Devdiscourse summarised that security interventions led to additional fatalities and injuries.
Alawite protests and demands
The protests were driven by Alawite grievances and anger after a mosque bombing in Homs and called for decentralisation, prisoner releases and job reinstatements. Reactions ranged from warnings about the exploitation of public sentiment to firm rejection of federal proposals. Middle East Eye linked the demonstrations to a Friday mosque bombing in Homs that it said killed eight and wounded more than 18, and reported protestors demanded a federal government and condemned alleged sectarian violations.
Al-Jazeera Net recorded marches demanding the release of detainees and the reinstatement of some to their jobs, and said local notables warned against the exploitation of public sentiment for foreign agendas. France 24 highlighted Alawite complaints of killings, marginalization and dismissals. AAP noted the rally's demands for a decentralised political system and the release of Alawite prisoners.
