Fighting at a demonstration in Latakia, Syria, resulted in at least three deaths and dozens of injuries on December 28, 2025. The protest involved hundreds of people from the Alawite minority, who were demonstrating in coastal and central parts of the country. The demonstration occurred two days after a mosque bombing in Homs.
Details regarding the specific nature of the fighting remain unclear, but initial reports suggest clashes between protesters and security forces escalated rapidly. The use of live ammunition has been alleged, though this has not been independently verified. The Syrian government has yet to release an official statement regarding the events in Latakia.
The protests were reportedly triggered by the bombing of a mosque in Homs on December 26, 2025. This incident further inflamed sectarian tensions in the region, which have been simmering for years. Homs, a city with a mixed Sunni and Alawite population, has been a flashpoint for sectarian violence in the past. The Alawites, an ethno-religious group connected to Shia Islam, largely support the current Syrian government.
The situation in Latakia remains tense, with reports of increased security presence and ongoing unrest. Analysts suggest the events in Latakia could further destabilize the region and potentially lead to a wider escalation of conflict. The United Nations has called for restraint and urged all parties to engage in dialogue to de-escalate the situation. The international community is closely monitoring the developments, with several countries issuing statements condemning the violence and calling for an independent investigation into the events in both Latakia and Homs. Further updates are expected as investigations proceed.
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