Three Dead, Dozens Injured in Syria During Clashes Between Alawites and Counterdemonstrators
Tensions flare along Syria’s coast as sectarian unrest linked to a recent mosque bombing highlights the fragile security situation in the post-Assad era
Latakia, Syria — December 28, 2025 — Violent clashes between members of Syria’s Alawite minority and counterdemonstrators erupted across several coastal cities on Sunday, leaving at least three people dead and dozens injured in some of the most intense unrest in the country since the fall of former president Bashar al-Assad nearly a year ago. �
WRAL News
The confrontations unfolded against a backdrop of deepening sectarian tensions and political uncertainty, drawing attention to the fragile security situation in post-civil war Syria.
Clashes Erupt in Coastal Cities
According to health officials and state media reports, violent clashes began in the port cities of Latakia and Tartous, where mass demonstrations were held by Alawite protesters. These protests were called in response to a deadly bombing at an Alawite mosque in the central city of Homs two days earlier, an attack that killed eight worshippers and wounded 18 during Friday prayers. �
Wikipedia +1
Thousands of people took to the streets in the coastal provinces, chanting slogans and demanding justice for the victims of the mosque bombing, which authorities and witnesses described as a sectarian attack targeting the Alawite community. A little-known extremist group calling itself Saraya Ansar al-Sunnah publicly claimed responsibility for the mosque blast, saying it was directed against Alawites, whom hard-line jihadists view as apostates. �
Wikipedia
Clashes quickly escalated when counterdemonstrators, including groups supportive of the new Syrian government and opposing blocs critical of the protest calls, confronted the Alawite marchers. Reports from international agencies indicated that stone-throwing, physical fights, and skirmishes broke out between the two sides. �
WHEC.com
Casualties and Injuries
Local health authorities confirmed three fatalities resulting from the clashes, although details about the identities or affiliations of those killed remain limited. Dozens more were wounded, including both protesters and security personnel. In Latakia and Tartous, images from the ground showed ambulances ferrying the injured to hospitals as medical staff struggled to tend to the influx of wounded. �
WRAL News
Syria’s state-run news agency SANA reported that at least one member of the security forces was killed by gunfire during the unrest, and several others were wounded in grenade attacks and other violent incidents near police stations. Vehicles belonging to security forces were also set ablaze in parts of Latakia during the clashes. �
WRAL News
Roots of the Unrest
While the immediate spark for Sunday’s violence was the mosque bombing in Homs, analysts say the clashes reflect broader sectarian and political tensions that have simmered since the end of Syria’s long civil war.
In December 2024, Assad — an Alawite by birth, a minority sect within the wider Muslim community — was driven from power by a rapidly advancing opposition offensive, bringing an end to nearly 14 years of conflict that had devastated the country. His departure and subsequent flight to Russia left a power vacuum and reignited old grievances. �
WRAL News
Under Assad’s rule, Alawites enjoyed disproportionate influence in Syria’s military, security forces, and government institutions, leading to perceptions of privilege and dominance in a country with a Sunni Muslim majority. Since his ouster, many Alawites have reported rising marginalization, discrimination in public sector employment, and sporadic sectarian attacks by extremist groups and hostile elements. �
WRAL News
A particularly deadly wave of violence erupted earlier this year in March 2025, when reprisals and clashes in coastal regions claimed more than 1,400 lives, mainly from Alawite communities, according to investigative committees. � While the situation calmed somewhat after that surge of violence, underlying tensions have remained unresolved.
Wikipedia
Voices From the Ground
Protesters in Latakia voiced deep frustration at what they see as targeted violence and unfair treatment. One demonstrator, Salman Mansour, told reporters that the Alawite community felt threatened and increasingly alienated in their own country, demanding federalism and guarantees of security and fair treatment under the law. �
The Star
Many chanted slogans calling for dignity, unity, and political autonomy, highlighting a complex push for regional rights that has intersected with long-standing religious and ethnic identities.
On the other side, some counterdemonstrators accused Alawite protest organizers of trying to reopen sectarian divisions to benefit remnants of the old regime. “We are calling for one Syria and one people,” one counter-protester stated during clashes, arguing that ethnic or sectarian divisions would only prolong instability. �
The New Indian Express
Government Response and Security Challenges
The Syrian transitional government condemned both the mosque bombing and the ensuing violence, vowing to hold perpetrators accountable, though no arrests have been publicly announced. Security forces fired into the air in some areas in an attempt to disperse rioters and prevent further bloodshed. �
WHEC.com
Despite these official statements, the events underscore the fragile security situation in many parts of the country, where local authorities are stretched thin and extremist groups continue to exploit power vacuums.
Analysts say that unless meaningful political accommodation and community reconciliation are achieved, pockets of sectarian tension could flare into broader conflict, hampering efforts to stabilize war-torn Syria. The delicate balancing act facing the new government — between maintaining national unity and addressing local grievances — remains one of the most pressing challenges in the post-Assad era.
Looking Ahead
As Syria struggles to rebuild after years of civil war, the clashes on Sunday serve as a stark reminder that achieving peace and social cohesion is a long and uncertain process. The deaths and injuries in Latakia and Tartous reflect not only a single day’s unrest but deeper fractures that, if left unaddressed, threaten to undermine long-term stability. Continued diplomatic engagement, inclusive governance, and protections for minority groups will be critical to preventing further cycles of violence.
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UK to Offer Military ‘Gap Year’ to Boost Recruitment: A Bold Step in Defence and Youth Opportunity
In an era marked by rapidly evolving global threats and persistent recruitment challenges, the United Kingdom is forging a novel path: offering young people a paid military “gap year” experience designed both to boost armed forces recruitment and to equip youth with valuable skills and life experience. Announced in late December 2025, this ambitious initiative aims to reshape how young Britons think about their futures and the role of the military in society. � Al Jazeera +1 What Is the Military Gap Year Scheme? The Armed Forces Foundation Scheme—often referred to in media coverage as a “military gap year”—is set to launch in March 2026 and will be open to young people under the age of 25. Under the pilot programme, approximately 150 recruits will be accepted initially, with plans to expand participation to more than 1,000 young people each year, subject to demand and outcomes. � The Guardian Unlike conventional military enlistment, the gap year scheme does not require long-term commitment or put participants on active combat duty. It’s structured as a paid placement, where participants receive training and experience within the British Army, Royal Navy, and Royal Air Force (RAF). � Sky News While the government has not yet disclosed exact pay figures, reports suggest compensation may align with typical basic recruit salaries, which could be roughly £26,000 a year. � Al Jazeera A “Whole of Society” Approach to Defence The initiative forms part of a broader Ministry of Defence strategy dubbed a “whole of society” approach to national security. This concept emphasizes that defence is not only a matter for military personnel but also for citizens across the UK. Officials argue that bridging the gap between civilian life and military service can help foster greater understanding, readiness, and resilience among the population. � Al Jazeera The move comes amid concerns about Russia’s growing military aggression in Europe, heightened hybrid threats such as cyber-attacks, and a perceived decline in the number of young people entering military careers. UK military leadership, including Chief of the Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Richard Knighton, has publicly underscored the importance of being prepared for modern security challenges—even if a direct invasion of the UK remains unlikely. � Al Jazeera How the Scheme Works The gap year programme offers different structures depending on the service branch: Army placements will involve up to two-year commitments that include 13 weeks of basic training followed by further service and development within army units. � The Guardian Royal Navy participants will typically engage in one-year experiences focused on broader naval skills and general service duties. � The Guardian RAF involvement is still being shaped, with plans under consideration for how best to integrate the air force’s unique operational and technical training into the programme. � The Guardian Participants will not be deployed on operational missions, a key distinction that makes the scheme accessible to those who may be hesitant about the risks of traditional military enlistment. Rather, the emphasis is on developing transferable life skills—such as leadership, discipline, teamwork, and problem-solving—that are valuable in both civilian and military careers. � The Guardian Potential Benefits and Broader Impact Proponents of the scheme argue that this model offers multiple benefits for both the armed forces and young people: Recruitment Boost: The UK has long grappled with recruitment shortfalls, particularly among younger demographics. By offering a relatively low-commitment entry point, the scheme seeks to attract individuals who might otherwise be uncertain about joining the military full-time. � Parliament Q&A Skill Development: Participants will gain expertise in areas such as logistics, engineering support, leadership, and operational planning—skills highly valued in civilian industries. � UK Defence Journal Broadened Appeal: The programme hopes to open doors for young people from diverse socio-economic backgrounds by providing financial compensation and structured training. � The Guardian Strengthened Civil-Military Connections: Reconnecting youth with the armed forces could help repair a divide that widened in recent decades as fewer citizens have direct experience or familial ties to military service. � Hansard Beyond these practical benefits, officials also see the gap year scheme as an opportunity to nurture a deeper sense of national pride and civic duty, themes that feature prominently in defence discussions as the UK navigates a challenging global environment. � Al Jazeera Lessons from Abroad The UK’s approach draws inspiration from similar programmes abroad. Australia’s defence gap year scheme, for example, has operated for years, offering young adults a chance to explore military life while providing a pipeline into full-time service. Reports show that a significant portion of Australian gap year participants later decide to pursue permanent roles in the armed forces, highlighting the scheme’s potential effectiveness. � Yahoo News Other European nations, including France, Germany, and Belgium, have also introduced forms of national service or youth engagement in defence as security concerns intensify across the continent. � Yahoo News Looking Ahead As the UK prepares to roll out this ground-breaking programme starting in March 2026, officials and commentators alike are watching closely. Will this innovative gap year model reinvigorate military recruitment and strengthen national resilience? Or will its impact be limited to a small cohort of adventurous young people? Only time will tell. However, with its focus on opportunity, flexibility, and skills development, the military gap year scheme represents a bold attempt to redefine how young Britons connect with both their nation and their future careers. � The Guardian If you’d like variations such as SEO titles, social media summaries, or headlines, I can create those too.
By Salaar Jamali15 days ago in The Swamp
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