Alawites Strike in Hama Suburb: Protesting Violence and Injustice Under the Al-Joulani Government
Residents in dozens of Alawite-majority villages in the suburbs of Hama province, Syria, launched a widespread strike to protest rampant insecurity and a lack of accountability for violence under the current government.
The mass protest was triggered by the fatal armed attack on four Alawite workers near the village of Jadrin. Unidentified assailants on motorcycles opened fire on the workers, leading to immediate public outrage.
According to Shia Waves Persian, the strike, which began the morning after the shooting, saw the closure of shops, schools, and offices across approximately 20 villages as residents held funeral ceremonies for the victims. The government’s silence on the matter contributed to an atmosphere of fear and threat in the region.
Protesters demanded an immediate investigation, the swift punishment of those responsible, and an end to the targeted attacks against the Alawite sect. Civil activists also issued calls for public mourning sessions.
Despite threats, some villages held visible public gatherings, while many others restricted their participation to silent, internal support. A female teacher noted that the official reason for closing schools was a “disease outbreak,” but it was truly a sign of solidarity with the strike. She added: “We don’t fear death; our fear is of abduction and torture. There is no protection for Alawite civilians.”
Some residents openly questioned the role of official institutions, with one local noting that checkpoints were removed just before the attack, suggesting the path was cleared for the attackers.
In response, the Interior Ministry of the Al-Joulani government announced that several suspects had been arrested. However, protesters state they remain concerned about the future until the full truth is revealed.
