Three killed, dozens injured in new anti-gov't riots in western Syria

At least three people were killed and 48 others injured during riots in the provinces of Latakia and Tartus in western Syria on December 28, as reported by Syria TV.

According to the channel, among the dead is a member of the security forces loyal to the country's new authorities.

The reason behind the protests was dissatisfaction with the policies of the transitional government. Demonstrators demanded federalism, protection of civil and political rights, and rejected violence. 

The rally saw hundreds of people on the streets in response to a call by the head of the Supreme Islamic Council, Sheikh Ghazal Ghazal.

Syria has witnessed several waves of sectarian clashes since the fall of former President Bashar Assad, an Alawite, who fled to Russia following a rebel offensive in December 2024 that ended nearly 14 years of civil war. Alawites have reported targeted attacks, discrimination in public employment, and the detention of young men without charges since Assad’s departure.

By Khagan Isayev