A state of cautious calm has settled over Syria’s coastal regions following protests and outbreaks of violence linked to demonstrations called for by Sheikh Ghazal Ghazal, a religious figure aligned with the Alawite community.

The unrest was accompanied by heightened security tensions, a visible state of alert in several cities, and reports of armed civilians loyal to the authorities patrolling areas near Alawite neighborhoods.

According to sources cited by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, security forces deployed military vehicles across the city of Latakia, particularly at major intersections and key roundabouts, including the Agriculture Roundabout, Haroun, and al-Azhari, which had witnessed protest gatherings the previous day. The Observatory also reported an expanded military and security deployment in the coastal province of Tartus.

Part of the Syrian forces’ deployment in coastal villages (SANA)

The Directorate of Health in Latakia announced "an increase in the number of deaths during the protests in Latakia city yesterday to 4 people, and the number of injured to 108."

In a statement to SANA, Syria’s state news agency, Latakia’s Director of Health Dr. Khalil Agha said that hospitals had received patients suffering from injuries caused by bladed weapons, stones, and gunfire from remnants of the former regime, targeting security personnel and civilians."

Agha confirmed that immediate emergency aid and necessary medical care were provided to all the injured as quickly as possible. He said medical and administrative staff at hospitals and health centers were placed on full alert, with emergency and trauma units operating at heightened readiness.

He added that health authorities are continuing to monitor the condition of the injured and are taking all necessary measures to ensure they receive appropriate medical care.