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.Published On 30 Dec 2025Syrian 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.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4New Syrian banknotes unveiled amid push to rebuild economylist 2 of 4Trump threatens Hamas while praising Israel on Gaza ceasefirelist 3 of 4Have Russian claims of Ukraine attack on Putin home ended hopes for peace?list 4 of 4Iran warns of ‘severe’ response in wake of Trump’s new strikes threatend of listSecurity 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.The violence follows deadly protests by members of the Alawite minority a day earlier. Demonstrations erupted after a bombing in the central city of Homs, with at least three people killed as Syrian security personnel attempted to disperse the crowds.One of those killed was a member of Syria’s security forces.The unrest marks another challenge for President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s government, which has sought to stabilise the country and rebuild international ties after 14 years of civil war.Syria’s new president came to power following the overthrow of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, after a coalition of opposition forces seized control of Damascus, bringing an end to more than 50 years of al-Assad family rule.Security and stabilityHis government has since faced the task of restoring security and asserting authority across a fractured country.