The protests took place in response to a call from the president of the Alawite Supreme Islamic Council, Ghazal Ghazal, demanding the release of detained former military personnel and calling for the adoption of a federal system.

According to official reports, the gatherings devolved into acts of violence attributed to armed outlaws and others linked to the deposed government of Bashar al-Assad.

The Latakia Health Directorate explained in a statement released by the SANA news agency that hospitals treated people injured by knives, stones, and gunfire, directed at security forces and civilians.

The organization added that two ambulances were taken out of service after being attacked and vandalized while carrying out humanitarian work, although medical personnel continue to provide emergency care.

In the coastal city of Jableh, dozens of people gathered carrying banners in support of peaceful protest, the release of detainees, and decentralization, while another demonstration resulted in clashes with supporters of the Syrian government.

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