Syria removes curfew following attacks on Alawite districts

Syrian authorities removed a curfew in Homs on November 24th, moving to contain a surge of attacks on Alawite neighbourhoods after the killing of two people sparked anger among Bedouin tribes, as reported by The National.

The escalation, which involved arson, prompted the curfew which started on November 23rd. Although the situation had quietened after additional forces were deployed and civil leaders urged restraint, state media reported that “random gunfire” left 18 people wounded and that 40 homes and businesses were damaged during what it called “riots and sabotage.”

The unrest adds to the difficulties facing Syria’s President Ahmed al-Sharaa  and his new authorities as they work to solidify control across the country.

Syrian authorities recently opened the country’s first trial related to the mass killings of Alawite civilians in March, marking a major test of al-Sharaa’s pledge to pursue accountability after the fall of Bashar al-Assad.

The case involves defendants from both pro-government factions and Assad loyalist groups, reflecting the same sectarian tensions and violence that also resurfaced in Homs.

An Alawite community figure who has been in touch with Homs tribal leaders said the “situation has stabilised but some people are still afraid to go out to do shopping or to return to work.”

Residents said Bedouin tribesmen entered Alawite zones, set buildings ablaze, and fired at them after the murder of a couple from the Bani Khaled tribe.

Videos shared on social media sites close to the government appeared to show security personnel escorting Alawite residents from a burning building.

Two residents reported hearing gunfire and explosions overnight. One said, “Everyone is waiting to see if the situation will calm down today.”

Interior Ministry spokesman Noureddine Al Baba said there was “no material evidence” that the murders were sectarian, calling a reported slogan at the scene an attempt to inflame tensions and divert investigators.

Homs has endured repeated sectarian incidents since Hayat Tahrir Al Sham (HTS), an ex-Al Qaeda affiliate, removed from power the former president Bashar Al Assad during December.

The National, Maghrebi.org