DAMASCUS. Syria’s new authorities launched a sweeping security operation on Thursday in Tartous province following a deadly attack that left 14 policemen dead. The government, which took power on December 8, has vowed to eliminate “remnants” of the ousted Bashar al-Assad regime allegedly responsible for the violence.
State news agency SANA reported that security forces initiated the operation to “control security, stability, and civil peace, and to pursue the remnants of Assad’s militias in the woods and hills” of the coastal province, which is predominantly home to members of Assad’s Alawite sect.
The attack represents the most significant challenge yet to the Sunni Islamist-led government that ousted Assad. During his rule, Alawites, an offshoot of Shi’ite Islam, held powerful positions in Syria’s security forces, which were accused of suppressing dissent during decades of authoritarian rule and the subsequent 13-year civil war.
Warnings Against Sectarian Violence
The crackdown coincided with efforts by Damascus authorities to prevent the incitement of sectarian strife. A video, reportedly showing a fire inside an Alawite shrine in Aleppo, circulated on social media earlier this week. The Ministry of Interior stated that “unknown groups” were responsible for the incident and that security forces were working “night and day” to protect religious sites.
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the former al-Qaeda affiliate that led the campaign to overthrow Assad, has pledged to protect Syria’s minority groups. However, concerns persist among Alawites, Christians, and other minorities about potential sectarian violence under the new leadership.
In a predominantly Alawite neighborhood of Damascus, Sheikh Ali Dareer condemned incidents of vandalism and physical assaults targeting members of his community. He attributed these acts to “a third party” seeking to incite discord.
“This is a matter of sedition, and we don’t want to be dragged into it,” Dareer said in an interview. He urged peace, stating, “Thousands of people are filled with resentment, anxiety, and their dignity is offended. However, we must remain committed to peace.”
One HTS fighter confirmed reports of an incident in which Alawites were taken off a bus and beaten but denied the group’s involvement.
Calls for Civil Peace and Unity
Mohammed Othman, the newly appointed governor of Latakia province, held meetings with Alawite leaders to “encourage community cohesion and civil peace,” according to SANA. The Ministry of Information has since banned the circulation of media content with a sectarian tone, warning against any attempts to spread division.
In Tartous, protesters were seen chanting “Oh Ali!” outside local government offices, referencing Ali ibn Abi Talib, a revered figure in Alawite and Shi’ite traditions.
Meanwhile, Iran, Assad’s long-time ally, has expressed discontent with recent developments in Syria. On Sunday, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called on Syrian youth to resist what he described as orchestrated insecurity.
However, Syria’s newly appointed Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani cautioned Iran against interference. “We warn them against spreading chaos in Syria, and we hold them accountable for the repercussions of the latest remarks,” he said.
As the new government seeks to consolidate power, fears of sectarian violence and unrest remain prominent, casting uncertainty over Syria’s path to stability.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
