Minority Alawites Take to the Streets in Syria After Sectarian Violence

Protests erupt following reprisal attacks in Homs

After a weekend of escalating unrest in Homs, Syria’s third‑largest city, members of the Alawite community have staged demonstrations across the region. The protests are a direct response to a wave of retaliatory attacks that targeted Alawites, a minority group historically linked to the former Assad regime.

The recent clashes in Homs began with confrontations between local residents and security forces, quickly spiraling into a broader wave of sectarian violence. In the aftermath, several Alawite neighborhoods reported incidents of intimidation, property damage, and physical assaults.

“We are tired of being treated as the scapegoats for the country’s problems,” one protester told reporters, holding a banner that read “Equality for All Syrians.” The demonstrators called for an end to the targeting of their community and urged the authorities to protect all citizens, regardless of sectarian affiliation.

Human rights observers note that while the Alawites once enjoyed preferential treatment under the ousted regime, the current climate of instability has left them vulnerable to backlash from rival factions. The protests aim to highlight this shift and demand a more inclusive approach to security and governance.

Local officials have urged calm, emphasizing the need for dialogue rather than further violence. However, community leaders warn that without concrete measures to safeguard minority rights, the cycle of retaliation could continue to destabilize the region.