In western Syria, clashes have erupted between security forces of the new transitional government and loyalists of former President Bashar al-Assad, resulting in the deaths of 14 individuals and injuries to 10 others. The incident occurred near Tartus, a stronghold of the Alawite minority, shortly after Assad’s regime was toppled. Protests have also erupted in several cities due to a video alleged to show the desecration of an Alawite shrine, exacerbating tensions in the region amidst fears of repression among minority groups.