Following the explosion at the Shiite Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib mosque in Syria, Alawites living in the country's coastal regions held mass protest demonstrations. Zamon.uz reported on this.
Among the demands of the protesters are strengthening the security of Alawites and expanding their self-governance powers. The protests began two days after the explosion that occurred during Friday prayers at a mosque in the city of Homs.
Clashes occurred between protesters and counter-protesters in the cities of Latakia and Tartus. According to local health authorities, at least three people were killed and about 60 citizens were injured as a result of the incidents. Among the casualties is also a security forces officer.
Officials reported that additional security forces have been deployed to restore order, and squares in some areas have been temporarily closed. The government condemned the explosion in Homs and stated that the perpetrators will be held accountable, but no official information about suspects has been provided yet.
