In the wake of the upheaval following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, Syria is witnessing a significant resurgence of sectarian tension, particularly among the Alawite minority. This new wave of protests reflects broader concerns about security, political reform, and the fragility of unity in a nation still grappling with the aftermath of a devastating civil war. As these developments unfold, they underscore the importance of understanding the underlying issues that propel such unrest and the prospects for stability in a community yearning for acknowledgment and change.
Protests have recently erupted across Syria’s coastal regions, signaling a fresh wave of sectarian unrest since the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024. During a demonstration on Sunday, gunfire targeted Syrian security forces at the al-Azhari roundabout in Latakia, and unknown assailants launched a hand grenade at the al-Anaza police station in the Tartous governorate. The protests, primarily organized by the Alawite minority—of which al-Assad is a member—occurred in response to the bombing of an Alawite mosque in Homs that left at least eight people dead. Protesters are demanding increased security guarantees and significant political reforms.
The unrest highlights ongoing sectarian violence that has plagued various coastal cities in Syria over the past year, leading many to question the interim government’s ability to maintain national unity in a nation scarred by 14 years of civil war. The protests were sparked by the bombing of the Imam Ali bin Abi Talib Mosque in the Wadi al-Dahab neighborhood of Homs during Friday prayers. A little-known group calling itself Saraya Ansar al-Sunna claimed responsibility for the attack, asserting that the bombing targeted members of the Alawite sect, which has historically held political power within Syria until al-Assad’s regime fell.
In response to the mosque attack, Syria’s government condemned the incident as part of a series of attempts to create chaos and undermine national security. Organizing the protests was Ghazal Ghazal, an Alawite religious leader living abroad, who heads the Supreme Alawite Islamic Council in Syria and Abroad. In a video message, Ghazal emphasized the community’s desire for political federalism, urging a system where they can determine their own fate.
As clashes erupted between Alawite protesters and counter-demonstrators supportive of the new government, reports from Latakia indicated escalating tensions. Witnesses observed counterprotesters hurling rocks at Alawite demonstrators, while physical altercations ensued, prompting the Syrian Ministry of Defence to mobilize army units to restore order following assaults targeting both civilians and personnel.
As of the latest reports, at least four individuals have been killed and over 100 injured in the unrest, with reports of injuries ranging from stabbings to gunfire. The Interior Ministry confirmed the death of a security officer amidst the ongoing clashes.
The Alawites comprise a significant religious minority in Syria, making up roughly 10 percent of the 23 million-strong population, and historically held political dominance under al-Assad, recruiting heavily from their community for military and security roles. Since the regime’s fall, the sect has faced increasing violence and discrimination, prompting calls for accountability for attacks against civilians and assurances of their safety within the new political framework.
Syria’s interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has reiterated the necessity of maintaining national unity and domestic peace. During a recent discussion at the Doha Forum, he acknowledged the long-standing divisions that have persisted in Syrian society, exacerbated by the legacy of al-Assad’s rule.
Experts indicate that the central government’s limited authority and enduring sectarian divides have driven calls for decentralization among minority groups, including the Alawites. Many such communities on the ground perceive the new government as a potential security threat rather than a mechanism of protection.
As tensions remain high, Robert Geist Pinfold, a scholar of international security, outlined two possible futures for the situation in Syria. A positive outcome could see the government establish a working relationship with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), leading to greater integration and potentially easing regional tensions. Yet, if violence escalates, it risks deepening the divisions that continue to fracture Syrian society.
The events in Syria serve as a solemn reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by diverse communities in the region and the pressing need for a political environment that fosters inclusivity and stability.
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