France Expresses Concern Over Violence in Syria’s Coastal Region
Welat TV – Erbil
France has expressed concern over the recent security developments in Syria’s coastal region, particularly in Latakia Governorate, and condemned all acts of violence accompanying the events.
In a post on X on Monday, 29 December 2025, Jean-Baptiste Favre, "Chargé d’Affaires" at the French Embassy, said that France has been closely following the situation in Syria’s coast with concern, expressing regret over the loss of civilian lives as well as casualties among security forces. He stressed the need for full transparency and a thorough clarification of the circumstances surrounding the incidents.
The French official reaffirmed France’s commitment to supporting a political transition in Syria that allows all Syrians—men and women alike—to live together in peace and security within a free, unified, pluralistic, stable, and sovereign state.
The French statement came in response to protests that took place on Sunday in several towns and cities along Syria’s coast, particularly in Latakia and Tartous, where thousands of demonstrators participated in rallies under the slogan “Flood of Dignity.” Protesters called for the release of detainees and the adoption of a federal system of governance in Syria.
The demonstrations in the countryside of Hama, Homs, Latakia, and Tartous coincided with a heavy security deployment and the closure of several roads leading to public squares, contributing to heightened tensions in some areas.
In several locations, clashes erupted between demonstrators from the Alawite community and groups supporting the transitional government. These confrontations escalated into violence that, according to official sources, resulted in the death of four people and injuries to 108 others of varying severity.
The protests followed a call by Sheikh Ghazal Ghazal, head of the Alawite Islamic Council, to demonstrate, in response to the bombing that targeted the Imam Ali Mosque in the Wadi al-Dhahab neighborhood of Homs.