Escalation in coastal Syria: Casualties reported as protests demand decentralization

LATAKIA/TARTUS, Dec. 28 (YPA) – The Syrian coastal cities of Latakia, Tartus, and Jableh have witnessed a serious field escalation, resulting in civilian victims during protests demanding decentralization (federalism) and the release of detainees held by the Transitional Government.

Human Rights sources, including the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, reported the deaths of two civilians and dozens of injured in Latakia after protesters were reportedly struck by military vehicles and met with live ammunition.

In Jableh, reports indicated several critical wounded cases following attacks by supporters of the transitional authorities using bladed weapons.

In a significant development, the Syrian Democratic Monitor reported that weapons were distributed to certain civilian groups to assist security forces in dispersing protesters, raising concerns about the region sliding into “sectarian violence.”

Conversely, the official Syrian news agency (SANA) reported the death of a public security officer in Latakia, blaming what it described as “remnants of the former regime” for instigating the unrest.

These developments come amid calls from local religious figures to maintain the peaceful nature of the movement, while international rights organizations increase pressure on the Transitional Government to ensure civilian protection and uphold the right to peaceful protest.

YPA