Massive Protests in Syria Following Vandalism of an Alawite Shrine: Fears of Escalation

However, the authorities have warned against rumors that could destabilize the country, accusing remnants of the al-Assad regime of being behind these incidents. Dec 25, 2024 Photo: EFE

December 25, 2024 Hour: 6:20 pm

Telesur correspondent Hisham Wannous reported that protests escalated after extremists set fire to the mausoleum, a sacred site for Alawite people with over 1,200 years of history.

Several cities in Syria, including the capital Damascus, have been the scene of mass protests by outraged Alawite citizens following the burning of an Alawite shrine, the mausoleum of Sheikh Abu Abdullah al-Hussein al-Jusaibi, in Aleppo province.

This act of vandalism has unleashed a wave of demonstrations in various localities, such as Homs, Latakia, Tartus, and Baniyas.

Protesters demand justice and accountability for the attacks on the sanctuary, which they see as a direct assault on the Alawite community.

The interim government’s Ministry of the Interior has reported that the shrine was vandalized by unknown groups last month, coinciding with the rebel offensive that resulted in the taken over of the al-Assad government. However, the authorities have warned against rumors that could destabilize the country.

Telesur correspondent Hisham Wannous reported that protests escalated after extremists set fire to the mausoleum, a sacred site for Alawite people with over 1,200 years of history.

According to Wannous, the attack occurred at the start of the offensive 20 days ago and has been used to sow sectarian discord.

He also pointed out that during the demonstrations, shots were fired by extremists to disperse the protesters, resulting in deaths and injuries.

Wannous further warned that sectors publishing videos about these incidents seem intended to provoke clashes between Alawites and Sunnis, thus exacerbating the climate of sectarian tension in the country.

The situation is critical and reflects a complex context in which sectarian violence could reignite amid political and social chaos following the fall of the al-Assad regime.