Rising tension in Syria’s coast, interior amid protests, accusations of sectarian provocation

Cities across the coast and the interior experienced noticeable tension over the past 24 hours after marches supporting the Transitional Government were held in predominantly Alawite neighborhoods of Lattakia, including Al-Da‘tour and Tariq al-Mazar. The marches included sectarian-themed chants, sparking discontent among residents who described the move as a “provocation” amid the ongoing local tension.

In Tartous, groups entered the Al-Areed neighborhood, directing insults at members of the Alawite community, according to ANHA correspondent.

In the city of Jableh, foot marches as well as motorbike and car rallies roamed through predominantly Alawite neighborhoods, raising fears among residents about a possible expansion of sectarian tensions across the coast.

In southwestern rural Hama, two men were shot dead last night by unidentified gunmen on motorcycles in front of their home in the village of Qafiloun. The perpetrators fled toward the town of Aqrab. Locals attempted to save the victims but were unsuccessful, heightening concerns over the deepening state of lawlessness.

Meanwhile, a new protest took place in Aleppo’s Saif al-Dawla neighborhood, where dozens demonstrated against deteriorating living conditions and recent municipal decisions to confiscate street vendors’ stalls. Protesters chanted for “a dignified life” as heavy security forces deployed around squares and government buildings.

ANHA correspondent in Aleppo’s Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhood also reported yesterday that a checkpoint belonging to the Internal Security Forces came under gunfire from Transitional Government forces. Another security point was targeted by a suicide drone launched by the same forces.

A-H 

ANHA