Protests in Tartus and Hama escalate with arrests
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Syrian coastal cities and towns in Hama countryside witnessed on Sunday widespread protests following calls by Ghazal Ghazal, head of the Supreme Alawite Islamic Council in Syria and the Diaspora. Demonstrations lasted for hours, marked by security tension, arrests, and reports of casualties.
The Supreme Alawite Islamic Council issued a statement condemning what it described as “attacks against peaceful demonstrators” during gatherings in coastal cities and areas of Homs and Hama. The council said civilians faced “all forms of terror and intimidation” while demanding their legitimate rights.
Meanwhile, Syria’s Ministry of Interior reported armed assaults targeting members of the Internal Security Forces assigned to protect the demonstrations and protesters. The ministry accused “remnants of the former regime” of carrying out the attacks, claiming that gunmen used live ammunition against security personnel. According to the statement, the assaults resulted in deaths and injuries among the forces tasked with safeguarding the gatherings.
The ministry added that “armed groups exploited the protests to attack security forces,” emphasizing that the incidents caused casualties among both demonstrators and security elements.
The council’s statement described the violations against civilians as “a flagrant breach of humanitarian laws and international conventions guaranteeing freedom of expression and peaceful protest.” It further criticized what it called international silence, holding global actors morally and legally responsible for ignoring the events.
In its closing remarks, the council urged demonstrators to prioritize their safety and return home, while reaffirming its absolute commitment to legitimate rights. It also called on the international community to assume responsibility and put an end to what it described as grave violations.