Fear of a reckoning simmers in Assad's Alawite heartland

In the Alawite heartland of Latakia, a prevailing sense of unease festers among the local population as they grapple with the potential consequences of years of conflict. The region, closely associated with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's sect, faces a moment of uncertainty as fears of retribution linger. Quentin Sommerville, reporting from the ground, offers a unique glimpse into the current mood in Latakia. He joins the patrol with Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group that has taken upon itself the duty to protect minorities in the region. This move by the HTS signifies a complex shift in the dynamics of power and protection amidst Syria's protracted conflict. Latakia, traditionally a stronghold of the Assad regime, has seen its share of suffering and violence throughout the Syrian civil war. The Alawites, a sect from which Assad hails, have long been at the center of Syria’s political power structures, thereby making the region a symbol of the regime's authority. However, as the war drags on, the fear of reprisals from opposition groups and disillusioned citizens grows stronger within the community. The presence of HTS in Latakia illustrates the changing nature of alliances and the unpredictable nature of protection in war-torn Syria. Once known primarily for their opposition to Assad's regime, HTS now pledges to safeguard the very minorities who might have previously viewed them with suspicion or outright hostility. This development indicates a