Syrians stage nationwide demonstrations in response to the desecration of a shrine, as HTS terrorists open fire on the protesters
Protests have erupted throughout Syria in response to the desecration of an Alawite shrine in Aleppo, reportedly carried out by militants. Armed factions affiliated with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) have allegedly opened fire on demonstrators, intensifying unrest in the region.
On Wednesday, a massive turnout saw tens of thousands of demonstrators flood the streets of Latakia, Tartus, Homs, Hama, and Qardaha, leading to violent clashes.
Following the circulation of a video on social media depicting a fire within the shrine of Sheikh Abu Abdullah al-Hussein al-Khasibi in Aleppo, demonstrators took to the streets. The video also allegedly shows armed individuals entering the site and killing its guards, an act that has sparked widespread condemnation from the Alawite minority community.
Local sources have reported an escalation in protests following an incident in Homs, where armed individuals allegedly fired upon demonstrators. The attack resulted in one fatality and left five others injured.
Recent video footage shared across social media platforms shows armed groups launching an assault on peaceful protesters, who were voicing their anger over an attack on a shrine dedicated to a historical Alawite figure.
In the coastal city of Tartus, hostilities persisted as lethal confrontations erupted between forces of the HTS administration’s “interior ministry” and demonstrators.
Alongside protests against the recent shrine attack, demonstrators in Masyaf, situated in Hama’s northwestern countryside, have expressed their condemnation over the assassination of three Alawite judges, an incident that transpired merely a day earlier.
According to local residents, recent demonstrations have been reportedly linked to escalating pressure and violence directed towards members of the Alawite minority community in recent days.
Syrian media reported that a curfew has been imposed in the city of Homs, effective from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. on Thursday. In addition, authorities have also declared nighttime curfews in Jableh and two other cities.
The Syrian Interior Ministry has asserted on its Telegram channel that the video footage depicting the destruction of a shrine is not recent. According to the ministry, the footage actually pertains to earlier conflicts that occurred during the takeover of Aleppo in late November.
Despite the statement, public outrage remains unabated, as thousands have taken to the streets in protest, calling for justice against those responsible for the assaults on their religious sites.
The Alawite community is growing increasingly apprehensive over potential retaliatory actions, due to their minority religious status and longstanding connections to the al-Assad family, notably including deposed leader Bashar al-Assad.
On Tuesday, numerous demonstrators gathered in Christian neighborhoods of Damascus to protest the recent burning of a Christmas tree in the vicinity of Hama, Syria. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) has assured the public that the tree will be swiftly replaced.
The newly appointed leaders of the country have consistently vowed to bring to justice those involved in the desecration of religious sites. They have assured the public that they are committed to upholding the beliefs and rights of all religious sects in Syria.
The situation remains highly volatile and delicate, with the potential for further clashes as sectarian tensions escalate amidst ongoing political instability and increasing pressure on minority groups.
