Apparently unwilling to fully admit defeat, the remnants of the overthrown Assad regime are waging isolated battles against Syria’s new rulers. More than a dozen security forces in the western governorate of Tartus were reportedly ambushed and shot. The interim government said they were “remnants of the criminal regime.”
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that security forces wanted to arrest an ex-officer for his alleged role in the infamous Saidnaya military prison. Accordingly, three of the young perpetrators were also killed.
Shrine destroyed: video sparks protests
In addition, a video allegedly showing the desecration of an Alawite shrine in the city of Aleppo sparked angry protests in several cities across the country, according to Arabic television channel Al Jazeera. The family of deposed ruler Bashar al-Assad also belongs to the Alawite religious minority. According to the interim government’s interior ministry, the shrine of a Muslim sheikh was destroyed “by unknown groups” in November when the rebel offensive against the city of Aleppo began.
According to the interim government, the “old video” is now being deliberately spread on the Internet to “cause discord,” the Arab broadcaster reported. Due to the protests, a nighttime curfew was imposed in the city of Homs, according to the Syrian Observatory in Britain. “This is an attack on all members of the Alawites in Syria,” said a resident of the German news agency.
Targeted destabilization?
On Monday evening, unknown people set fire to a Christmas tree in Al-Suqaylabiyah in Hama province. One person was arrested. Hundreds of Christians and Muslims then took to the streets in Damascus and other cities to demonstrate against the act. In a statement, the Interior Ministry warned the interim government against rumors “aimed at destabilizing the country and disrupting civil peace.” The remaining Assad supporters would benefit from this. Christians, Alawites and other minorities fear repression after the coup.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
