Southeast Asia Information Port (www.dnyxxg.com) – Thousands of Alawite Muslims clashed during protests in western Syrian cities on the 28th, resulting in three deaths and dozens of injuries.
According to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) and Reuters, thousands of Alawite Muslims gathered in Azhari Square in Latakia, a predominantly Alawite city, on the 28th to protest the mosque attack in Homs on the 26th and to demand the release of thousands of Alawite prisoners.
Reuters reported that after about two hours of demonstrations, gunshots were heard from an unidentified location. Syrian security forces then fired warning shots into the air, and the protest descended into chaos. AFP reported that Syrian security forces fired warning shots in an attempt to end the clashes between protesters and supporters of the new Syrian regime.
The SANA, citing the Latakia health department, stated that "remnants of the former regime launched attacks on security forces and civilians during protests in the city," resulting in three deaths and 60 injuries. Among the dead were members of the Syrian security forces. Reuters, citing a statement from the Latakia media office, reported that three people died and more than 40 were injured in the demonstrations.
The Syrian Interior Ministry later confirmed that one member of the security forces had died in clashes during the demonstrations.
A terrorist attack on a mosque in Homs, central Syria, on the 26th killed eight people and injured 18. Since the political upheaval in Syria, the area where the attacked mosque is located has seen numerous security incidents. (End)
