Syrian coastal cities are calm after protests, with heavy security deployed. Demonstrations in Latakia, Tartus, Homs and Hama saw injuries and three deaths reported.
DAMASCUS: Calm has returned to Syrian coastal cities following a day of protests.
A significant security presence has been deployed to prevent further unrest, according to local authorities.
Protests erupted on Sunday in several provinces, including Latakia, Tartus, Homs and Hama.
Dozens of anti-government protesters were reportedly injured after coming under gunfire and knife attacks.
A source in the Latakia governorate said “the city is calm today across all areas, with public security forces and Ministry of Defence units deployed to avoid incidents that could harm civilians or damage property”.
Syrian authorities blamed supporters of the country’s now-deposed ruler Bashar al-Assad for attacking security forces and civilians.
This resulted in three deaths during the unrest in Latakia, according to Syria’s state news agency SANA.
The massive protests were in response to a call from prominent Alawite leader Ghazal Ghazal to demand the right to self-determination.
Sheikh Mohammad Ali from Latakia blamed Ghazal Ghazal for the unrest in Latakia and other coastal cities.
He accused Ghazal of endangering Alawite communities, a reference to the sect from which both Ghazal and President Bashar al-Assad hail.
“He wants to send the Alawite youth into fire, as Assad did, killing and injuring hundreds of thousands of Alawites before fleeing with his family,” Ali said.
