Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria’s interim president, visited Latakia and Tartus, areas once loyal to Bashar al-Assad. His meetings with local notables aimed to affirm authority amid a fragile security landscape. Although violence has decreased since Assad’s fall, security concerns, particularly involving the Alawite community, remain pressing. Sharaa’s visit signals a shift in control as efforts to reshape governance progress.
Syria’s interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa made his first official visit to the coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartus, which were previously strongholds of ousted President Bashar al-Assad. During his visit, he met with key dignitaries and religious figures, highlighting his efforts to establish authority in these regions. Footage shared on social media showed large crowds gathered in Latakia as Sharaa’s convoy passed, indicating public interest in his visit.
Sharaa, a leader of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham which played a pivotal role in ousting Assad, was appointed interim president last month. Latakia is also significant as it is Assad’s hometown and a center for the Alawite community, which has historically held power in Syria under Assad’s regime. The area is home to Russia’s military presence outside the former Soviet Union.
While violence in Latakia has diminished since Assad’s ousting, security issues persist, including an attack on a security patrol that resulted in casualties. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights noted that occasional violence, including reprisals against individuals linked to the former regime, continues to occur, albeit at a reduced rate.
Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Observatory, indicated that many former regime officers remain in Latakia, complicating the security environment. Sharaa’s visit may signal to the Assad regime that its influence in Latakia is curtailed. Despite reassurances regarding minority protections, the Alawite community fears retaliation for its historic affiliation with Assad’s rule.
Ahmed al-Sharaa’s visit to Latakia and Tartus underscores his efforts to secure control in regions previously dominated by Assad. His meetings with local leaders reflect a strategic move to establish legitimacy while addressing lingering security challenges. Though violence has lessened since the regime’s fall, tensions persist, particularly concerning the Alawite community’s safety and the presence of former regime elements. Overall, the visit indicates a transition in Syria’s political landscape, with Sharaa’s leadership aiming to reshape the governance and security dynamics in these provinces.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
