Assad Loyalists Attack Security Forces in Latakia

(MENAFN) The death toll from assaults carried out by remnants of Syria’s ousted Bashar al-Assad regime during demonstrations in Latakia has climbed to four, with 108 others injured, according to a news agency reports on Monday.

Citing the Latakia Health Directorate, the news agency confirmed that gunmen opened fire on security personnel Sunday as they guarded protests across Syria’s coastal and central regions. Demonstrations also erupted in Tartus, Hama, and Homs.

The rallies were organized by Ghazal Ghazal, head of the Alawite Supreme Council in Syria and abroad. Protesters shouted slogans demanding “federalism” and voicing opposition to Damascus authorities. In Latakia and Jableh, some demonstrators attacked security forces and their vehicles despite heightened protective measures.

Ghazal, who has longstanding ties to the defunct Baathist regime, called for the protests following a deadly mosque attack in Homs’ Alawite neighborhood on Friday that left eight people dead. In subsequent remarks, he urged supporters to push for “political federalism and international protection.”

Meanwhile, Syria’s transitional administration has pledged to strengthen nationwide security and pursue remnants of the former regime accused of inciting unrest.

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