Continued Tension in Syrian Coastal and Inland Cities Following Widespread Protests

A state of tension prevails in several cities and towns in the Syrian coast and inland areas, following protests that took place in more than 40 locations on Tuesday, according to local correspondents and eyewitnesses.

According to the sources, the cities of Latakia, Jableh, Tartous, Hama, and Homs have witnessed a heavy security presence since the early hours of Wednesday morning, amid a noticeable decline in normal movement in the streets and an increase in the number of checkpoints and patrols belonging to the transitional government forces in various locations.

According to accounts from residents in the area, groups believed to be loyal to the transitional government carried out nighttime movements in neighborhoods in Latakia and in the streets of Jableh and Tartous, during which private properties were targeted, leading to heightened tension among the residents.

In Homs, local sources reported that armed groups entered the Akrama neighborhood, demanding that shop owners close their businesses, amid rising tension accompanied by verbal altercations between members of those groups and some residents.

Information was also reported about raids carried out in the town of Al-Annazah in the Tartous countryside, with a number of young men arrested after participating in a sit-in that took place in recent days. In the same context, platforms linked to entities close to the transitional government circulated videos showing heavy military vehicles, including armored vehicles and rocket launchers, reportedly heading toward coastal areas, though there has been no independent confirmation of their deployment locations or the date they were filmed.

Meanwhile, the Association of Syrian Alawites in Europe issued a statement condemning what it described as “attacks targeting peaceful protesters,” considering what happened “a serious violation that threatens civil peace.” The statement affirmed that the association will work to document and refer the available materials to international bodies, calling for investigations and accountability for those responsible for any violations.

The association stressed in its statement “the right of Syrians to peaceful expression,” affirming that “protecting civilians is a direct responsibility of the transitional authority,” and warning that continued tension may exacerbate public unrest in the country.