By Ioanna Theou
On December 28, 2025, Alawite Syrians protested in central and coastal parts of Syria after a call by Ghazal Ghazal, an Alawite leader living outside the country. Ghazal Ghazal warned and urged the Alawite population about the killings and discrimination towards the Alawites. Let’s not forget that the new government of Syria is Sunni. This dynamic has contributed to the escalation of attacks and discriminatory practices against other minority groups, reflecting the conservative character of Sunni communities and their limited acceptance of religious identities beyond Sunni Islam.
Three people were killed and at least 60 others injured. Alawite protesters demanded that the new government continues the discrimination towards the Alawite population. On the other hand the Defence Ministry’s media office said the army entered the city centres of Latakia and Tartous with armoured vehicles and tanks to calm the tension.
The violence towards the minorities in Syria continues until now. A few days ago, explosive devises were placed inside an Alawite mosque in Homs city. The Syrian government authorities have not identified a suspect yet… Eight people were killed and eighteen people were injured.
Governor Ahmed al- Shami blamed the religious leader Ghazal Ghazal of trying to manipulate the Alawite population and to create chaos through the protests against the new government. Al- Shami stated that there is a right for demonstration as long as it does not lead to destabilizing the country… This serves more as a warning that although citizens are allowed to express dissent, any escalation of tensions is likely to be met with a government response.
However, it is difficult to expect Alawites to stop from protesting when they experience discrimination and targeted violence on a daily basis. Social media reveals incidents of violence against Syria’s minority communities. Alawites have become more vulnerable and unprotected following the collapse of the Assad regime. During the Assad rule in Syria, Alawites Syrian were protected from the Assad regime and had opportunities for government jobs, army and security forces. Thus, with the al Sharaa regime, Alawites, feel that they are excluded from this kind of opportunities.
In conclusion, the ongoing incidents, the fragmentation of Syria, and persistent tensions between the al- Sharaa government and the non-sunni population indicate that the country risks following a scenario similar to post-invasion Iraq, with renewed American involvement and influence.
Bibliography
U. Jamal & U. Aras, ‘’ Syria protests updates: Deadly clashes erupt as hundreds demonstrate’’, Al Jazeera, 28/12/2025.
‘’Three killed, 60 injured in Latakia, as remnants attack security forces’’, SANA, 28/12/2025.
https://sana.sy/en/local/2286217/