Syrian authorities impose curfew in Latakia as violence surges

"Cars and shops were vandalised during attacks on Alawite neighbourhoods in the western city in recent days. Syrian authorities imposed an overnight curfew in the coastal city of Latakia following deadly attacks on predominantly Alawite neighbourhoods as security tensions rise in the country's western coastal region. Authorities in Latakia arrested 21 people allegedly linked to ousted leader Bashar al-Assad's rule, state media reported on Tuesday."

"Security forces in the coastal province arrested 21 former regime remnants who are involved in criminal acts, sectarian incitement and targeting internal security forces. The curfew took effect from 5pm local time (14:00 GMT) on Tuesday until 6am (03:00 GMT) on Wednesday, the Ministry of Interior said. The move comes after unidentified individuals attacked Alawite-majority neighbourhoods in Latakia on Monday, damaging cars and vandalising shops."

Cars and shops were vandalised during attacks on Alawite neighbourhoods in Latakia, prompting authorities to impose an overnight curfew from 17:00 to 06:00 local time. Security forces arrested 21 people alleged to be former regime remnants involved in criminal acts, sectarian incitement and targeting internal security. The unrest followed demonstrations by Alawite protesters after a bombing in Homs that preceded the deaths of at least three people, including one member of the security forces. Syrian government troops have been deployed to Latakia and Tartous and security deployments were reinforced across the coastal region. The new president’s government faces challenges restoring security and authority.

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