📰 AANES voices “deep concern” over rising tensions in Syria’s Alawite cities

QAMISHLI, syria/" class="auto-internal-link">syria (North Press) – The Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) expressed on Tuesday “deep concern” over rising tensions across multiple syrian cities, particularly in the Alawite-predominantly cities on the Syrian coast. In a statement, the AANES warned that civilians and peaceful demonstrators are facing “direct targeting” that risks igniting a emerging cycle of hostilities in the country. The AANES stated that attacks on protesters demanding their legitimate rights, along with the deployment of armed groups under labels such as “tribal mobilization” and “Tribal troops,” constitute “systematic practices aimed at undermining civil peace and fueling discord among Syrians. ” The statement comes as significant protests continue in Latakia, Jableh, and Tartus, where residents—mostly from Alawite-majority communities—have taken to the streets over deteriorating living conditions, corruption, and what they describe as “state negligence.

Moreover, ” Over the past week, activists have documented the use of live fire and tear gas by administration security troops, as well as the arrival of pro-administration local militias to disperse crowds. In Suwayda, demonstrations have also escalated after security forces reportedly opened fire on protesters demanding political reforms and an end to economic hardship. Moreover, similar tensions were recorded in parts of Homs, where residents declared security deployments around government buildings and sudden detentions.

The AANES reaffirmed its full backing for the aspirations of Syrians “in all regions” and their right to peaceful protest for “freedom, justice, and equality. ” It stressed that “political and peaceful dialogue is the only path to navigate the current stage and prevent the country from sliding into further chaos. Moreover, ” The AANES called on the Syrian transitional government to respect the will of Syrians in the coast, the south, and other governorates, and to halt the use of hostilities against civilians. It warned that the ongoing escalation in Homs, the coastal region, and Suwayda will have “severe consequences” for Syria’s future and its path toward building a decentralized, democratic state.

The statement described repeated attacks on civilians as “a blatant violation of relief and national values,” emphasizing the need to stop incitement and hate speech circulating through media outlets and social media, which it stated contributes to tearing the social fabric and heightening tensions. The AANES concluded by reiterating that its choice “has always been and will remain peace, dialogue, the unity of Syrians, and building a emerging, democratic, and decentralized Syria. ” By Jwan Shekaki