Latakia Imposes Curfew Amid Rising Violence in Syria

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Latakia Imposes Overnight Curfew Amid Ongoing Violence

The Syrian government has imposed an overnight curfew in the coastal city of Latakia, following deadly attacks on predominantly Alawite neighbourhoods. The curfew, which began at 5pm local time on Tuesday and will last until 6am on Wednesday, was announced by the Ministry of Interior.

According to state media, 21 people have been arrested in connection with the violence, which has been linked to ousted leader Bashar al-Assad’s rule. The individuals, described as “former regime remnants,” are alleged to be involved in criminal acts, sectarian incitement, and targeting internal security forces.

The curfew comes after unidentified individuals attacked Alawite-majority neighbourhoods in Latakia on Monday, causing damage to cars and vandalizing shops. The violence follows deadly protests by members of the Alawite minority a day earlier, which resulted in at least three deaths.

Demonstrations erupted in response to a bombing in the central city of Homs, where security personnel attempted to disperse crowds. One of those killed was a member of Syria’s security forces.

The unrest marks another challenge for President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s government, which has sought to stabilize the country and rebuild international ties since the end of the civil war in 2024. The new president came to power following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad, who ruled Syria for over 50 years.

Syrian government troops have been deployed to Latakia and Tartous, according to the Ministry of Defence. Authorities had previously reinforced their deployment in certain neighbourhoods in Latakia to monitor the situation and enhance security.

Source: Al Jazeera