83 killed, wounded in security tensions across Syria’s coastal cities
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – At least 83 people were killed and wounded during security tensions that swept several cities along Syria’s coast on Sunday, an official from Latakia Governorate told North Press on Monday.
Nour al-Din Brimo, Director of Media Relations in Latakia, said that three people were killed, including a member of the security forces, while around 80 others were injured. The casualties were reported in the cities of Latakia and Jableh.
Brimo did not accuse any specific party of responsibility for the casualties.
The unrest followed demonstrations that erupted in several coastal cities and parts of the Hama countryside after a call issued by Ghazal Ghazal, head of the Supreme Alawite Islamic Council.
The protests lasted for hours and were marked by heightened security tensions, arrests, and reports of deaths and injuries.
Meanwhile, Syria’s Interior Ministry said armed attacks targeted internal security forces deployed to protect the demonstrations and the protesters themselves.
The ministry accused what it described as “remnants of the former regime” of carrying out the attacks.
According to the Interior Ministry, gunmen exploited the protests to open fire on security personnel using live ammunition, resulting in deaths and injuries among forces tasked with securing the gatherings.