Syrian Government Troops Deployed to Latakia and Tartous Following Clashes

Syrian Government Deploys Troops to Coastal Cities Amid Protests

Troops from the Syrian government have been deployed to the coastal cities of Latakia and Tartous following demonstrations that resulted in deadly clashes. The clashes occurred during protests by the Alawite minority, which left at least three people dead and 60 injured.

The deployment comes after attacks on civilians and security forces were reported in both cities. According to officials, the attacks were carried out by “remnants of the defunct regime” of former President Bashar al-Assad during the protests.

The Ministry of Defence announced that army units with tanks and armoured vehicles entered the centre of the cities in response to these attacks. The mission is to restore stability in the area.

Protesters, who are calling for federalism - a system that would see power decentralised from Damascus in favour of greater autonomy for minorities - have been met with counter-protests by supporters of the government. The protesters also demanded the release of Alawite prisoners and an end to violence against their community.

The protests were called for by Ghazal Ghazal, an Alawite spiritual leader living outside the country. He stated that the Alawite community cannot be humiliated or marginalised. The protests have been ongoing across central and coastal parts of Syria, with thousands taking to the streets to express their demands.

A police officer was among those killed in the clashes, while two security personnel were wounded in Tartous after unknown assailants threw a hand grenade at the al-Anaza police station in Baniyas. Gunfire was directed at Syrian security forces at the Azhari roundabout in Latakia, and another security personnel was injured.

The violence has flared as thousands of Alawite Syrians took to the streets across their heartland in central and coastal parts of Syria on Sunday. The protesters are seeking an end to ongoing violence against their community and greater autonomy for minorities.

Source: Al Jazeera