Newsletters
The death toll from attacks by remnants of Syria's ousted Assad regime during protests in the northwestern city of Latakia rose to four, with 108 people wounded, Syrian state media reported Monday.
The Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), citing the Latakia Health Directorate, said gunmen targeted security personnel on Sunday while they were protecting demonstrations in cities along Syria's coast and in central areas.
Syrian army forces entered the centers of the coastal cities of Latakia and Tartus on Sunday after attacks on civilians and security troops by armed groups linked to the former regime, the Defense Ministry said.
Army units, backed by armored vehicles, moved into the city centers following an escalation in attacks by "outlaw groups" against residents and security personnel, SANA reported.
The army's mission is "to maintain security and restore stability in coordination with internal security forces," the ministry said.
Syria's Information Minister Hamza Mustafa stressed on X that attempts by some groups to exploit events to advance sectarian agendas have failed.
"These efforts had no connection to Syria’s national unity and resembled the methods of the former regime, which often betrayed Syrians and justified its crimes with false pretexts," he said.
Mustafa emphasized that the freedom of expression and protest guaranteed by the new state is a moral gain and a cornerstone for building modern institutions.
"However, some have misunderstood it. The unity of Syria and its people remains a national principle beyond debate," he added.
Demonstrations were also reported in Tartus, as well as in the central provinces of Hama and Homs.
The protests followed a call by Ghazal Ghazal, head of the Alawite Supreme Council in Syria and abroad.
During the demonstrations, which were held under security measures, protesters chanted slogans calling for "federalism" and voiced opposition to the government in Damascus.
Some protesters in Latakia and Jableh attacked security personnel and their vehicles despite heightened security.
Ghazal, who is known for close ties to the defunct Baathist regime, issued his call for protests after a deadly mosque attack in a predominantly Alawite neighborhood of Homs on Friday that killed eight people.
In statements following the attack, he urged supporters to demand "political federalism and international protection."
The new Syrian administration is working to tighten security conditions nationwide and to pursue remnants of the former regime accused of stirring security unrest.
Assad, Syria's leader for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia, ending the Baath Party regime, which had been in power since 1963.
A new transitional administration headed by President Ahmad al-Sharaa was formed in January.
Set as preferred source
1 min read
1 min read
