Army calms tensions in Tripoli after reported stabbing of Syrian

In Tripoli, reports emerged of a Syrian minor being stabbed by a resident of Jabal Mohsen, leading to heightened tensions and gunfire in the city overnight. The National News Agency later clarified that the victim was a Bedouin individual. The incident prompted heavy deployment of army units, particularly in the al-Qobbeh and Jabal Mohsen areas, as well as along Syria Street, which separates Bab al-Tabbaneh and Jabal Mohsen. The military’s intervention was successful in restoring calm to these neighborhoods.

In response to the unrest, the Islamic Alawite Council emphasized that civil peace and security stability are paramount. They coordinated with security agencies to ensure the surrender of Ahmad al-Bitar, the individual involved in the stabbing incident, expressing confidence in the authorities’ ability to transparently investigate the circumstances. The Council highlighted Tripoli’s longstanding tradition of national cohesion and its resilience against strife, expressing hope for the city’s continued safety and stability.

Simultaneously, Syria’s coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartus have experienced severe sectarian violence. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that over 1,000 people were killed in two days of clashes between security forces and fighters loyal to the former Assad regime, marking one of the highest death tolls since 2011. Among the dead were 745 civilians, executed during the fighting and reprisal attacks.

The unrest began with an attack by pro-Assad fighters in Latakia. The violence highlights the ongoing challenges for Syria’s new Islamist authorities, three months after overthrowing President Bashar al-Assad. With militias still active, government forces’ actions led to significant civilian casualties, sparking fear among minority Alawites. The UN and France called for civilian protection and independent investigations, emphasizing the need for inclusive governance to prevent further violence.