Alawite Protesters in Syria Face Gunfire as al-Jolani-Aligned Forces Crack Down; Community Leaders Urge End to Gatherings

Alawite Protesters in Syria Face Gunfire as al-Jolani-Aligned Forces Crack Down; Community Leaders Urge End to Gatherings
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Tens of thousands of Syrians took part in peaceful demonstrations across several cities after Sheikh Ghazal, head of the Alawite Supreme Islamic Council, called for protests against what he described as sectarian killings and arbitrary arrests targeting Alawites in areas under the influence of al-Jolani’s interim authorities.

According to reports viewed by the Shia Waves Agency, large crowds gathered in Tartous, Latakia, Homs and Hama, demanding the release of detainees and an end to what protesters said were unlawful practices against the Alawite community. Demonstrators also voiced support for federalism and rejected sectarian-driven abuses.

According to accounts confirmed by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, security forces affiliated with al-Jolani’s interim government opened fire on protesters and used government vehicles to run down some participants, resulting in deaths and injuries.

Following the violent dispersal, the Alawite Islamic Council called on demonstrators to halt further gatherings, emphasising that their peaceful sit-ins and legal demands must remain intact. In a statement, the Council urged citizens to maintain non-violent discipline despite the attacks, saying that their message should remain “conscious and powerful.”

The Council also appealed to protesters to return home before sunset to preserve their image as a united and civil community.

Conditions remain volatile in several parts of Syria, with reports indicating that al-Jolani–aligned forces continue to fire directly at protesters.