Executive Summary
- Security forces have established checkpoints in Hama’s western countryside following protest calls.
- Alawite spiritual leader Sheikh Ghazal Ghazal urged peaceful demonstrations against abductions and violence.
- The Syrian Interim Government has threatened arrests for those participating in the protests.
- Tensions are high following alleged attacks by Bani Khalid Bedouins in the coastal region.
HAMA, Syria – Cities and towns throughout Syria’s coastal region entered a state of heightened security on Tuesday, with significant convoy movements and the establishment of checkpoints in the western countryside of Hama.
According to reports from the Hawar News Agency (ANHA), the mobilization includes areas such as Salhab, Deir Shamil, Nahr al-Bard, and al-Saqliyah. The security surge follows a public appeal by Sheikh Ghazal Ghazal, the spiritual leader of the Alawite community and head of the Supreme Alawite Islamic Council, urging citizens to engage in peaceful protests.
Sheikh Ghazal’s call to action was issued in response to what he described as persistent violations against the Alawite community. In his statement, he cited specific grievances including abductions, targeted killings, and general humiliation of community members. The spiritual leader demanded the immediate release of detainees and called for an end to the cycle of violence and terrorism affecting the region.
The call for demonstrations has elicited a polarized response across digital platforms. While various social media pages have mobilized support for the protests, outlets aligned with the Syrian Interim Government have issued warnings. These pro-government sources have threatened to pursue individuals participating in street actions, warning of potential arrests and physical clashes with demonstrators.
Tensions in the region have been exacerbated by recent violence in the coastal areas and neighborhoods of Homs. Local sources attribute recent attacks to the Bani Khalid Bedouins, a situation that has prompted Alawite leaders to seek both domestic and international attention regarding the deteriorating humanitarian and security conditions.
Regional Security Outlook
The rapid deployment of security assets by the Interim Government signals a significant concern regarding internal stability in the coastal governorates. The confrontation between established Alawite religious leadership and the interim administrative authorities highlights a deepening fracture in the region’s social contract. If the demands for improved security and the release of detainees are met solely with suppression, the likelihood of localized civil unrest increases. Regarding the specific allegations of violence and abduction mentioned in recent reports, it is important to note that all accused parties are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
