Top Alawite Cleric Calls for Mass Protest After Homs Mosque Bombing
Sheikh Ghazal Ghazal urges peaceful mobilization, political reform, and international protection amid rising violence
Syria, PUREWILAYAH.COM - Sheikh Ghazal Ghazal, head of the Supreme Alawite Islamic Council, has announced plans for a peaceful mass demonstration on Sunday in response to the bombing of a mosque in Homs.
In a public statement, the cleric called on supporters to gather from noon until 5 p.m. in what he described as a “human flood” filling public squares. He urged members of other Syrian communities to stand in solidarity with the Alawite community, stressing that the movement seeks political solutions rather than armed confrontation.
“We do not want a civil war, but political federalism,” Sheikh Ghazal said, rejecting portrayals of the crisis as a clash between rival factions and describing it instead as identity-based violence aimed at subjugation.
Warning of Escalating Violence and Political Breakdown
Sheikh Ghazal warned that continued silence in the face of what he described as ongoing crimes would only fuel further bloodshed and accelerate societal collapse. He called for swift, fundamental political changes and the imposition of international protection mechanisms to prevent further deterioration.
The statement follows earlier warnings by Sheikh Ghazal of a potential outbreak of internal fighting, for which he held the authorities in Damascus responsible, citing repeated violations against the Alawite community. He said failure to address these grievances would deepen instability and embolden perpetrators.
Deadly Attack on Imam Ali Mosque
The appeal comes after a deadly bombing that struck the Imam Ali Mosque in the Wadi al-Dhahab neighborhood on December 26. The explosion occurred while worshippers were performing prayers, killing at least 12 people and wounding 27 others, according to local reports. The mosque is frequented primarily by members of the Alawite community.
A militant group identifying itself as Saraya Ansar Ahl al-Sunna claimed responsibility for the attack, saying explosive charges were used.
On the same day, the Supreme Alawite Islamic Council condemned what it described as repeated terrorist attacks against Alawite civilians, holding the de facto authorities fully and directly responsible.
The council warned that such violence is the inevitable outcome of policies of exclusion, incitement, and coercion, and called for urgent measures to protect civilians and ensure accountability as tensions continue to escalate. (PW)