At a Glance
- Clashes erupted on Syria’s coast between Alawite protesters and counterdemonstrators two days after a mosque bombing in Homs.
- The bombing killed 8 and wounded 18 during prayers, with the attacker claiming to target the Alawite sect.
- Security forces fired into the air, injured demonstrators, and faced grenade attacks and arson on vehicles.
- Why it matters: The violence highlights the sectarian tensions that have surged since the fall of Bashar Al-Assad and the ongoing instability in coastal Syria.
On Sunday, thousands of Alawite demonstrators and their opponents clashed along the Syrian coast, echoing the deadly bombing that struck an Alawite mosque in Homs two days earlier. The incident has reignited fears of a broader sectarian backlash in a country still reeling from the collapse of the Assad regime.
A News Of Austin photographer in Latakia observed pro-government counterprotesters throwing rocks at Alawite demonstrators, while a protester beat a counterdemonstrator who crossed to their side.
Clashes on the Coast
Protesters gathered in Latakia, Tartous and other coastal towns, demanding justice for the mosque attack. Counterdemonstrators, some identified as pro-government, threw rocks and were met with tear gas and shots fired into the air by security forces. The clashes left several demonstrators injured, though the exact number remains unclear.
- Thousands of protesters in Latakia and Tartous
- Counterdemonstrators threw rocks at Alawite demonstrators
- Security forces fired warning shots
- Grenade thrown at police station in Tartous
- Cars of security forces set ablaze in Latakia
Background and Broader Impact
The mosque bombing, claimed by the group Saraya Ansar al-Sunna, targeted members of the Alawite sect, whom hard-line Islamists label apostates. The attack follows a series of sectarian incidents since the fall of Bashar Al-Assad in December 2024, when the country entered a new phase of instability. Alawites, once overrepresented in government and security forces, now report discrimination and detentions without charges.
Syria’s state-run television reported that two security-force members were wounded in Tartous after a hand grenade was thrown at a police station, and security-force cars were set ablaze in Latakia.
Government officials condemned Friday’s attack and promised to hold perpetrators accountable, but have not yet announced any arrests.
| Event | Casualties | Injuries | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homs mosque bombing | 8 dead | 18 wounded | Targeted Alawites |
| Coastal clashes | ? | ? | Security forces injured |
Key Takeaways
- The bombing and subsequent clashes underscore the fragility of sectarian relations in post-Assad Syria.
- Security forces’ response includes firing into the air and facing attacks on their vehicles.
- Alawites continue to face discrimination and targeted violence in the new political landscape.
As the coastal protests continue, the international community watches closely, wary that any escalation could spill over into wider conflict across Syria’s fragile coastal regions.
