Protests erupted across Syria on Wednesday after the surfacing of a video depicting the desecration of an Alawite shrine, igniting anger primarily within the Alawite community and prompting large-scale demonstrations throughout several cities.
According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) and eyewitness reports, thousands of people took to the streets, particularly across the coastal regions of Tartous and Latakia, which are heavily populated by Alawites. Additional protests were reported in Homs, the city of Qardaha—home to the Assad family—and various other locations. Protesters expressed their outrage, calling for justice against the desecration of their religious site. "We are calling for those who attacked the shrine to be held to account," said protester Ali Daoud during one of the mass demonstrations.
The unrest was triggered by the circulation of footage showing armed fighters storming the shrine of Sheikh Abu Abdullah al-Hussein al-Khasibi located within the Maysaloon district of Aleppo. This incident reportedly led to the death of five shrine workers, exacerbated fears within the Alawite community, who historically have been loyal to the now-deposed government of Bashar al-Assad, the former president who also belonged to the Alawite sect.
Days leading up to the protests saw tensions rise, particularly after the HTS launched significant military operations leading to the toppling of Assad's regime. The situation intensified when news broke on Tuesday of the burning of a Christmas tree, igniting protests among Christians and pushing various sectarian communities to express their grievances on the streets simultaneously.
Protests were marked by chants calling for peace and unity across sectarian lines, with slogans such as, "Alawite, Sunni, we want peace." Yet, concerns lingered over the volatility of the situation, with some protesters warning against excessive strain on the Alawites, potentially leading to violent backlash. Ghidak Mayya, 30, acknowledged this precarious balance during the demonstrations, stating, "For now, we are listening to calls for calm," but also urged caution about the risks of heightened frustrations leading to conflict.
Despite the visible protests, the Syrian Interior Ministry attempted to downplay the significance of the video footage, stating the attack depicted occurred during older conflicts surrounding the takeover of Aleppo by HTS late last year. They explained the assault on the shrine was the doing of "unknown groups," and condemned the re-circulation of the video as inciting strife. Meanwhile, authorities imposed curfews across several cities, including Homs, to maintain order and prevent escalations.
The overarching concern among Alawites remains their vulnerability as both religious and ethnic minorities within Syria. Historically, the community has been closely linked to Assad's leadership, leading to fears of retribution against them as power dynamics shift. "The Alawites were very close to Bashar's regime," warned Fabrice Balanche, a Middle East expert, predicting potential collective retribution against them, particularly from more radical and conservative factions now holding power.
The situation is under increased scrutiny as armed groups associated with HTS responded to the protests with force, resulting in injuries and fatalities. Disturbing reports indicated armed attacks on peaceful gatherings, and SOHR confirmed at least one protester was killed during confrontations with security forces attempting to disperse crowds using live ammunition.
This tragic turning point marks the most prominent protests by the Alawite community since the dramatic change of power following the fall of the Assad regime. Community leaders, alongside ordinary citizens, express apprehension about their future security as new authorities have pledged to protect minority rights but face immediate challenges addressing sectarian tensions and protests effectively.
Right now, realities on the ground paint a complex picture for Syria's new leadership; various sects demand justice, unity, and the maintenance of their religious heritage against the backdrop of violence and destruction. The cries for accountability echo across borders and necessitate immediate and sincere dialogue among Syria's diverse communities. Yet, with rising tensions, each incident could be yet another drop precipitating wider unrest—a precarious line between peace and potential chaos.
