Syrian Alawites Stage Widespread Strike Over Injustice
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, Alawite areas along the Syrian coast, including Latakia, Jableh, Tartus, Safita, and al-Duraikish, as well as the western Hama countryside including Masyaf, observed a widespread strike Monday. The strike was called for by Sheikh Ghazal Ghazal, head of the Alawite Council.
Two days prior, Sheikh Ghazal urged his followers to stage a comprehensive strike across all sectors and stay home for five days, protesting what he described as the establishment and consolidation of new oppression.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that shops and markets owned by Alawite citizens were almost entirely closed, indicating widespread support for the strike call.
In various areas of the Syrian coast, numerous solidarity messages from Alawites supporting Sheikh Ghazal’s call were circulated, emphasizing a firm commitment to the strike as a steadfast position in defense of Alawite dignity and rights.
Coinciding with the start of the strike, unknown parties posted sectarian and inflammatory statements and posters on the walls and entrances of neighborhoods in al-Duraikish, Tartus Governorate, where Alawite and Christian families reside.
The widespread strike occurs as various regions of Syria celebrate the anniversary of the fall of the former Syrian regime.
