Syria imposes night curfew in Latakia after deadly attacks

Syrian authorities have imposed a temporary overnight curfew in the coastal city of Latakia, a move aimed at restoring security after violent attacks during weekend protests. The Latakia Governorate announced the measure would be in effect from 5 p.m. local time Tuesday until 6 a.m. Wednesday, with exemptions for essential emergency and medical personnel.

Official Warnings and Call for Order

In a statement, officials urged residents to comply fully with the curfew order and cooperate with security forces, warning that violators would face legal consequences. Interior Ministry spokesman Nour al-Din al-Baba, cited by the state news agency SANA, stated the ministry would not tolerate unlawful actions and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting citizens under state authority. He called on the public to avoid behavior that could undermine security or national unity.

Background of Violence During Protests

The security clampdown follows deadly incidents on Sunday, when gunmen attacked security forces who were overseeing demonstrations in several cities, including Latakia. The protests, called by an Alawite religious authority, featured demands for political federalism. The clashes resulted in four fatalities and left 108 people wounded among both security personnel and civilians, marking a significant escalation of unrest in the region.

A Challenge for Syria's New Administration

Latakia is part of Syria's coastal region, long considered a stronghold for loyalists of the former government under Bashar al-Assad, who fled to Russia in late 2024. The new transitional administration, led by President Ahmad Al-Sharaa, has identified restoring security and pursuing remnants of the former regime as a key priority. This curfew represents a direct attempt by the nascent government to assert control and quell instability in a strategically important and politically sensitive area, a situation monitored by neighboring countries, including Türkiye.