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'Celebrating Syria's great victory' - Crowds pack Latakia streets to commemorate transitional govt's first year in power

'Celebrating Syria's great victory' - Crowds pack Latakia streets to commemorate transitional govt's first year in power

"Crowds filled central Latakia on Friday to mark the first anniversary of the Syrian transitional government's rise to power. Footage shows people gathering in the city center and waving flags of the First Syrian Republic, while others lit flares and fireworks. "My family and I have joined this gathering to celebrate Syria's great victory. I pray Syria remains united, with no to sectarianism. Celebrate this remarkable day that will remain eternally memorable," one participant expressed. "Syria belongs to all its people. We constitute a unified nation and collective will, and God gave us victory. May the Almighty safeguard our leader and maintain his leadership," another added. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that residents gathered in central squares across several provinces on Friday to join rallies backing the transitional government, following invitations from transitional leader Ahmad Al‑Sharaa and directives from local officials. Videos circulating on social media reportedly showed some participants chanting sectarian slogans against minority groups, including Druze, Alawites and the SDF. The footage was later verified by both the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and local media outlets. In December 2024, the transitional government assumed power in Damascus, with Ahmad al‑Sharaa later appointed interim president, pledging to build an inclusive administration. Since then, reported attacks on civilians from Druze, Alawite, Christian and other minority communities have led to calls for the secession of Suwayda Governorate. On Tuesday, several areas on the Syrian coast and rural regions of Homs and Hama also saw protests attended by thousands of members of the Alawite community - following reported violence in Homs on Monday and other areas. This year also saw violence against the predominantly Alawite community in the coastal regions. Pro-government groups were accused of perpetrating 'revenge killings' on the community of former leader Bashar al-Assad, while the government blamed violence on 'former regime loyalists' as well as 'individual acts'. The government did promise to investigate all the incidents."