Syrian security forces open fire on Alawite protesters

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, tens of thousands of Syrians responded to the call of Sheikh Ghazal Ghazal, head of the Supreme Islamic Council of Alawites in Syria and abroad, taking to the streets in multiple cities across the provinces of Latakia, Tartus, Homs, and Hama. Protesters condemned sectarian killings, arbitrary arrests, and demanded the release of detainees from Syrian prisons in a widespread and peaceful uprising.

Tens of thousands marched in Tartus and its outskirts, the city of Baniyas, Latakia and surrounding areas, the cities of Jableh and Qardaha and their nearby villages, as well as rural regions in Hama and Homs. Their demonstrations were documented in 42 locations by the Syrian Observatory.

Protesters chanted slogans in support of federalism, the release of prisoners, and an end to the sectarian policies that have pressured Alawites throughout the past year.

The Syrian Observatory reported that public security forces affiliated with the Julani interim government opened fire on demonstrators and even ran some of them over with government vehicles. It added that Julani’s security forces also detained several protesters in Al-Zahraa Square in the city of Homs.

The call by Sheikh Ghazal Ghazal for strikes and demonstrations triggered a wide response in the cities of Latakia, Jableh, Tartus, Homs, and rural Hama.

Meanwhile, the protests have expanded in Homs and western rural Hama, now reaching the cities of Masyaf, Salhab, Wadi al-Ayon, and surrounding villages.

Videos shared online appear to show Julani-affiliated security forces firing live ammunition at demonstrators in Jableh.

The Observatory also reported unusual activity within the Syrian government structure, suggesting preparations to send additional security and military forces to coastal regions—widely interpreted as an attempt to suppress the growing uprising.

According to informed sources, the deployment is being carried out discreetly amid growing concerns that the protests could escalate beyond the authorities’ control.

Even as interim government security forces opened fire on protesters, the Supreme Islamic Council of Alawites emphasized the need to maintain calm and ensure demonstrations remain peaceful.

Addressing the protesters, the Council stated that despite the attacks and violence that left several injured or killed, the protesters had remained steadfast and united in their resolve.

In its statement, the Council said: “Preserving the peaceful nature of our demonstrations remains our strongest message. As long as our voice remains guided by wisdom and calm, guns will never intimidate us, and oppression will never break our determination. Words have defeated weapons, and what you have done today is not a passing moment, but a firm step and a decisive message to the entire world.”