"Syria’s General Security Forces aided by forces from the Syrian transitional government’s Ministry of Defence were deployed in Latakia on Sunday, following a crackdown against protests by Alawites in the coastal region. Footage shows security forces lining up at Al Azhari roundabout in the centre of Latakia, while armoured vehicles can also be seen deployed in the city. Responding to a call by Sheikh Ghazal Ghazal, head of the Supreme Alawite Islamic Council in Syria and the Diaspora, thousands of Syrians from the Alawite community had earlier taken to the streets to deplore what they described as 'assaults' against them. "Security forces, deployed to guard today's protests, were directly attacked in the city of Latakia, in addition to targeted assaults in the Tartus countryside conducted by groups affiliated with remnants of the former regime," the Ministry of Interior of the Syrian Transitional Government stated, while state media reported that "3 deaths and 60 injuries were recorded in attacks by remnants of the former regime on security forces and civilians in Latakia." Meanwhile, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) alleged that security forces had staged ‘mock clashes’ to justify dispersing the rallies during which several people were injured. The Ministry of Defence confirmed that forces accompanied by armoured vehicles and tanks had been deployed to Latakia "after a number of outlaw groups began targeting the people and security forces." In response to the reported crackdown on protests, the Supreme Alawite Islamic Council in Syria and the Diaspora declared in a statement that “the de facto authority has uncovered its oppressive nature,” and urged the community to “ensure their safety and return to their homes. Meanwhile, we are still upholding our unwavering legitimate rights," it went on. SOHR also reported that security forces had apprehended Sheikh Ali Halhal, head of the Alawite Islamic Council in Tartus, over his support for Ghazal's call for protest. In a recorded video, Sheikh Ghazal Ghazal had called on the people to take part in demonstrations, highlighting the Alawite community’s demands for 'political federation' and 'avoiding civil war.' The protests follow an attack at the Imam Ali bin Abi Talib Mosque in the predominantly Alawite Wadi al-Dhahab neighbourhood in Homs, which left 8 people dead and dozens injured. In December 2024, the HTS-led transitional government seized power in Syria, following which Ahmed al-Sharaa was appointed interim president, pledging an inclusive government. Suwayda province demanded secession after alleged violations against civilians from Druze, Alawite, Christian and other minorities. Meanwhile, the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) were yet to incorporate into the 'new Syrian army' at the time of publication. "