"Thousands of demonstrators from the Alawite community took to the streets in Latakia Governorate on Sunday, following a call to protest by their spiritual leader, Sheikh Ghazal Ghazal, after the deadly bombing at the Imam Ali bin Abi Talib Mosque in Homs. Footage shows large crowds gathering at the Al Azhari roundabout in Latakia, with gunfire audible in the background. Images also show injured demonstrators being transported to the hospital. “We call on every free and honourable individual from the other communities to stand with us and support our demands. We are not seeking a civil war, we don't want it to be a civil war. We seek a political federation. We don't want your terrorism; we seek our right to self-determination,” Sheikh Ghazal Ghazal said in a recorded message. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said several demonstrators were injured to varying degrees, including one critically, and were taken to the hospital for treatment. Syrian media outlets reported that at least two demonstrators were killed during the unrest. Responding to the protests, Brigadier General Abdul Aziz Al Ahmad, commander of Internal Security for the transitional government in Latakia Governorate, said security forces had come under attack. He claimed that “security forces in Latakia governorate, particularly in the cities of Latakia and Jableh, were attacked by remnants of the former regime during demonstrations called for by Ghazal Ghazal,” adding that a number of personnel were wounded. In December 2024, Syria’s HTS-led transitional government took power, with Ahmad al-Sharaa later appointed interim president after pledging to form an 'inclusive government'. However, media reports have documented alleged abuses against civilians from Druze, Alawite, Christian and other minority communities. These developments have contributed to rising tensions, including demands for secession in Suwayda province. At the same time, the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces have yet to integrate into the newly formed Syrian army as of the time of publication."