Tensions rise in Syria as post-Assad era unfolds
Syria’s fragile stability is under threat as violence and protests erupt weeks after rebel forces, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), toppled President Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
On Tuesday, 14 interior ministry troops were killed and 10 wounded in an ambush near Tartous, an Alawite stronghold. The attack reportedly occurred as security forces attempted to arrest a former officer linked to abuses at the notorious Saydnaya prison.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) confirmed the deaths, adding that three unidentified gunmen also lost their lives in the clashes.
Simultaneously, unrest has flared across the country. Protests in Homs followed the release of a controversial video showing an attack on an Alawite shrine.
Authorities imposed an overnight curfew in response, but demonstrations spread to other cities, including Latakia and Qardaha. SOHR reported one civilian killed and five wounded during the turmoil.
The Alawite community, closely tied to Assad’s regime, fears retribution for alleged war crimes, including widespread torture and killings.
Calls for a general amnesty by Alawite leaders face resistance amid demands for accountability from Syrian civilians.
HTS, designated a terrorist organization by global powers, has pledged to protect minority rights but faces skepticism following incidents like the burning of a Christmas tree, which sparked further protests.
As Syrians navigate the end of over five decades of Assad rule, the country remains on edge, grappling with demands for justice, security, and reconciliation in a volatile post-revolution landscape.
Source : bbc.com
