Iran expresses concern over recent events in Syria

Spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry Esmaeil Baqaei has expressed concern over recent events in various Syrian cities.

He addressed the public protests against the desecration of a sacred site in Syria and expressed surprise at unfounded media accusations accusing Iran of interfering in Syria's internal affairs, firmly rejecting such claims, Caliber.Az reports via Iranian media.

Baqaei reaffirmed Iran's long-standing position in supporting Syria’s territorial integrity, national unity, and the establishment of an inclusive political system that ensures the participation of all political factions, ethnic groups, and religious communities.

He also emphasised the importance of upholding minority rights and protecting religious sites.

Moreover, Baqaei stressed the need to prevent further insecurity and violence against different segments of Syrian society, ensuring the safety and security of all citizens. 

Tens of thousands took to the streets in Latakia, Tartus, Homs, Hama, and Qardaha on December 25, resulting in violent confrontations. Protesters came out after video was circulated on social networks showing a fire inside the shrine of Sheikh Abu Abdullah al-Hussein al-Khasibi in Aleppo, with armed men walking inside and killing the guards of the shrine, an incident that has drawn strong condemnation from the Alawite minority. 

According to reports from local sources, the protests were spread after armed individuals opened fire on protesters in Homs, resulting in the death of one person and injury of five others. Video footage circulating on social media captured the moment when the armed groups targeted peaceful demonstrators expressing their outrage over the attack on the historical Alawite figure’s shrine. 

The violence continued in the coastal city of Tartus, where deadly clashes broke out between members of the HTS administration’s "interior ministry" and protesters.  In addition to the protests against the attack on the shrine, demonstrators in the city of Masyaf, located in the northwestern countryside of Hama, condemned the assassination of three Alawite judges, which occurred just a day before. Some residents said the demonstrations were linked to pressure and violence in recent days aimed at members of the Alawite minority.

By Naila Huseynova