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Protests broke out on Saturday in several Syrian cities following the killing of eight people in an attack on the Imam Ali bin Abu Talib Mosque in an Alawite neighborhood in Homs, according to local reports.
Demonstrations were held in Latakia, Tartus, Hama and Homs after Gazal Gazal, head of the Islamic Council of Alawites in Syria and Abroad, called for protests demanding a “political federation and the right to self-determination.”
Thousands gathered at key locations, including the Ziraat and Ezheri junctions in Latakia; Amara Junction and Hospital Neighborhood Junction in Jableh; Merice Junction in Qardaha; al-Qusur Junction in Baniyas; Saadi Junction in Tartus; and several areas in Homs, including Misyaf, Wadi al-Zahab, Imam Ali bin Abu Talib Mosque Square and the Zahra neighborhood.
Demonstrations were also reported in the Wadi Uyun area of Hama.
Chants calling for a federation were heard during the rallies, with protesters criticizing the administration in Damascus.
Security forces deployed heavy measures during the demonstrations.
In Latakia and Jableh, some protesters reportedly attacked security personnel and vehicles. In central Latakia and Homs, demonstrators at times clashed with opposing groups using stones and sticks, prompting security forces in some areas to fire warning shots into the air to disperse crowds.
Footage shared on social media showed forces affiliated with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham opening fire toward protesters in areas where the group controls security, according to the reports.
Syria's Interior Ministry accused armed elements linked to remnants of the former regime of exploiting the protest demonstrations to attack Internal Security Forces personnel with live ammunition. The ministry said these attacks resulted in deaths and injuries among security personnel tasked with protecting the protests.
The ministry warned residents of the coastal region not to be deceived by calls that appear to be protests but conceal armed activities. Officials said the arrest of members of armed groups connected to the former regime proves the true purpose behind the protest calls and incitement against the Internal Security Forces.
The Interior Ministry said the Internal Security Forces have shown maximum restraint in the face of these armed attacks, but emphasized that the ministry will not allow the situation to descend into chaos and armed violence.
Gazal Gazal, who is known for his proximity to the former Baath regime, issued his call after an attack by the terrorist organization Daesh on a mosque in an Alawite neighborhood of Homs, which left eight people dead.
Gazal urged supporters to take to the streets to demand political federation and international protection.
The protests continue amid heightened tensions in several Alawite-populated areas of Syria.
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