Syrian interim government blames unrest, protests on former regime provocations

Protests that turned violent erupted across Syria following allegations that a religious shrine in Aleppo had been damaged. The country’s interim government blamed the unrest on “provocations” by remnants of the deposed Bashar Assad regime.

Demonstrations swept through several regions, including Hama, Homs, Latakia, Tartus, and the towns of Jableh and Banyas, after videos circulating on social media claimed the shrine of Abu Abdullah Hasibi had been harmed. The allegations sparked public outrage, leading to clashes between demonstrators and security forces in central Homs and western Tartus.

The violence has resulted in deaths and injuries on both sides, according to reports. Authorities responded by imposing a curfew in Homs, effective from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m., as announced by the Syrian News Agency (SANA).

Interim Government of Syria denies claims of shrine damage

The interim government dismissed the videos as “old footage” from an earlier period of conflict. In a statement, the Interior Ministry accused Assad loyalists of exploiting the situation to destabilize the country.

“We emphasize that our institutions have been working day and night to protect our properties and religious sites,” the ministry said. “The purpose of circulating these videos again is to sow discord among the Syrian people during this sensitive period.”

The ministry also confirmed that attacks on security forces by former regime elements had occurred in the coastal region, resulting in casualties among security personnel.