Syria: Deadly Crackdown on Alawite Protests Demanding Federalism

HTS security forces kill at least three as thousands demonstrate across coastal and central regions following mosque attack in Homs

December 28, 2025 — Thousands of Alawites took to the streets across Syria’s coastal and central regions on Saturday, demanding federalism and self-governance in response to escalating violence against their community. The protests, which spread through Tartous, Latakia, Jableh, Homs, and surrounding cities, were met with deadly force as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)-led security forces opened live fire on demonstrators, killing at least three people and injuring several others, according to local sources.

The demonstrations were triggered by a deadly attack on the Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque in Homs, along with repeated assaults and aggression targeting the Alawite population by HTS and affiliated extremist units. The violent response to peaceful protests has further inflamed tensions in regions where minority communities face increasing vulnerability.

HTS, a Turkish-backed terrorist organization, came to power following the overthrow of Syria’s legitimate government with support from Turkey and Israel, reportedly with Russian acquiescence. Since then, millions of Alawites, Druze, and Christians have endured dire humanitarian conditions, while the international community—including the United Nations—has failed to take even symbolic action to address the crisis.

The coastal provinces of Tartous and Latakia, traditional Alawite strongholds, have become focal points of resistance as minority communities demand protection and autonomy. Protesters are calling for a federal system that would grant them greater self-determination amid fears of systematic marginalization and violence under the current authorities.

Witnesses reported heavy security deployments throughout the affected cities, with checkpoints established to prevent further gatherings. Medical facilities in the region have struggled to cope with the influx of injured protesters, while fears of additional crackdowns have left communities on edge.

The international response to the deteriorating situation remains minimal, despite growing evidence of human rights violations and sectarian violence. Human rights organizations have documented numerous incidents of attacks on minority populations since the regime change, yet concrete international intervention has been absent.

As tensions continue to rise, the demands for federalism and self-governance represent a critical juncture for Syria’s minority communities, who increasingly view autonomy as essential for their survival and protection from extremist violence.