Syria: Deadly Clashes at Alawite Protests
At least 3 people were killed and 59 injured after al‑Joulani‑affiliated forces attacked Alawite demonstrators in Latakia on December 28, according to media reports.
Witnesses say the attackers used live ammunition and melee weapons, with many of the wounded rushed to medical centers. Local sources warn that tensions are escalating and the security situation remains unstable.
Clashes between Alawite protesters and al‑Joulani’s forces have spread sporadically across Hama, Homs, Tartus, and Latakia provinces. Armored vehicles have been deployed in central Latakia to contain gatherings.
The protests began yesterday following a call by Sheikh Ghazal, with demonstrators denouncing repression, discrimination, and denial of civil rights. Rallies were held in Jableh and al‑Qardaha (Latakia), al‑Daliyeh and Salhab (Hama), Tartus, Safita, Banias, and al‑Sheikh Badr (Tartus). While protesters declared the gatherings peaceful, footage shows violent clashes and assaults by al‑Joulani’s forces.
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