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Deadly Discovery of Bedouin Couple Ignites Sectarian Clashes in Homs

The bodies of a Bedouin couple were discovered in Zaidal, Homs province, with evidence suggesting the wife had been burned and sectarian slogans left at the scene. Retaliatory attacks by members of the victims' tribe were reported in an Alawite-majority neighborhood, with accounts of arson, vandalism and gunfire; casualty figures differ between monitoring groups and community sources. Security forces imposed a curfew and launched an investigation, while officials warned the killings may be intended to inflame sectarian tensions. The incident recalls earlier coast-wide violence that produced large civilian losses and comes as a related trial has begun.

01:12 AM, 11/24/2025Conflict
Deadly Discovery of Bedouin Couple Ignites Sectarian Clashes in Homs

Authorities in Homs province say the bodies of a husband and wife from a Bedouin tribe were found at their home in Zaidal, renewing fears of sectarian violence in the city. Officials reported that the wife showed signs of having been burned and that sectarian slogans were found at the scene.

"This attack appears to have the goal of fueling sectarian divisions and undermining stability in the region," Maj. Gen. Murhaf al-Nassan, head of internal security in Homs, said in a statement.

A U.K.-based monitoring group reported that members of the victims' tribe later moved into an Alawite-majority neighborhood in Homs, where they carried out acts of arson and vandalism, damaged homes and vehicles, and opened fire. The monitor said dozens of people were injured. A separate Alawite community council reported at least two deaths and 10 injured; authorities gave no official casualty toll at the time.

Security forces regained control of the affected area and imposed an overnight curfew as investigators opened a probe into the killings. The Interior Ministry urged citizens to remain calm and allow the investigation to proceed without interference.

Context

Homs, Syria's third-largest city, has a mixed population including Sunnis, Shiites, Alawites and Christians. The city experienced violent unrest in the weeks after the former president, a member of the Alawite minority, was driven from power in an offensive led by Sunni Islamist forces, but tensions had eased in recent months.

The episode echoes a separate outbreak of sectarian bloodshed along Syria's coast earlier this year, in which attacks and reprisals resulted in hundreds of Alawite civilian deaths, according to reports. A trial opened last week for some suspects accused in that coastal violence.

The situation in Homs remains volatile. Local and international observers say credible, transparent investigations and restraint by all parties will be essential to prevent further escalation and protect civilians.

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