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Homs Extends Curfew as Security Forces Move to Quell Sectarian Unrest

Officials dispute a sectarian motive despite reports of retaliatory attacks on Alawite neighborhoods.

Overview

  • Authorities prolonged restrictions through Monday evening across southern and mixed districts of Homs, with heavy deployments, checkpoints and patrols to restore order.
  • The unrest followed the discovery of a Bani Khaled husband and wife killed in their Zaidal home, with state media noting burned remains and slogans that the Interior Ministry says were likely planted to incite strife.
  • Armed tribesmen reportedly torched properties and fired indiscriminately in Alawite-majority areas including al-Muhajirin and al-Bassel, with vandalism documented in nearby neighborhoods.
  • Health officials reported at least 18 people wounded by random gunfire, while the Supreme Alawite Islamic Council said at least two were killed and 10 injured, highlighting conflicting casualty counts.
  • The Interior Ministry said 120 suspects tied to the violence have been arrested as investigators continue their probe against the backdrop of a year of documented revenge attacks in Homs.