Solidarity Rally in As-Suwayda Highlights Support for Alawite Community in Syria

Solidarity Rally in As-Suwayda Highlights Support for Alawite Community in Syria
——————————————————————
Residents of As-Suwayda in southern Syria held a public rally on Wednesday at Al-Karama Square to express support for protests in the coastal regions and Homs province, which have highlighted concerns over the treatment of the Alawite community.

According to Shia Waves Agency via Reuters, participants called for unity among Syria’s diverse communities, an end to sectarian violence, and the cessation of provocations targeting specific groups. Demonstrators also urged respect for the rights of all minority communities and the creation of equal opportunities for all citizens.

Civil society activists described the large turnout as a sign of national solidarity and emphasized the need to resolve sectarian tensions. Some participants appealed to the international community to play a supportive role in promoting peace and stability in Syria.

This comes a day after Syrian security forces fired into the air to disperse rival protests in Latakia, the Alawite heartland, after hundreds of Alawite demonstrators rallied for federalism and the release of detained community members.

Government supporters gathered nearby, leading to confrontations and gunfire. Verified videos showed at least one person injured, though official casualty figures were not released. The protest, called by the Supreme Alawite Islamic Council, highlighted fears over safety, kidnapping, and insecurity among Alawites following clashes between Assad loyalists and new Sunni-led authorities after Assad’s ouster last year. Both demonstrations were dispersed by afternoon amid rising sectarian tensions.