Mon Dec 29 20:50:58 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the information, suitable for Al Jazeera English:
Syrian Coastal Cities Gripped by Sectarian Clashes, Threatening New President’s Reform Efforts
Latakia & Tartous, Syria – Tensions are escalating in Syria as sectarian violence flared in the coastal cities of Latakia and Tartous on Sunday, pitting protesters from the Alawite minority against supporters of President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s government. Government troops deployed to quell the unrest were reportedly attacked, highlighting the fragility of the country’s security situation.
The clashes represent a significant challenge to President al-Sharaa, who took office in January and has been striving to stabilize Syria and reintegrate it into the international community after 14 years of devastating civil war. The Alawite community, historically a powerful group within Syria, claims it is being marginalized under the new leadership.
The unrest raises serious questions about the potential for further escalation and the impact on President al-Sharaa’s reform agenda. Al Jazeera spoke to Fadel Abdulghany, Founder and Executive Director of the Syrian Network for Human Rights, Gamal Mansour, Specialist in Comparative Politics and International Relations, and Labib Nahhas, Director of the Syrian Association for Citizens’ Dignity, on the security threat and potential solutions to de-escalate the tension. Key questions are: How significant is this security threat? And what steps can President al-Sharaa take to ease the mounting tensions?
This latest outbreak of violence underscores the deep-seated sectarian divisions that continue to plague Syria, hindering efforts to achieve lasting peace and stability.
First Piper 