Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has publicly recognized the 'legitimate demands' of protesters following large demonstrations in coastal cities, where the Alawite minority has faced increasing violence since the overthrow of former President Bashar al-Assad. The protests, the largest by Alawites since Assad's fall, were sparked by recent killings and sectarian tensions, including unrest in Homs after the murder of a Sunni Bedouin couple.

Sharaa stated his government is prepared to listen to and seriously consider all demands, emphasizing the importance of national unity and an end to longstanding divisions. His ascent to power has unsettled Syria's minorities, with ongoing fears amid violence against Alawites and clashes between Sunni Bedouin and Druze communities. Sharaa reiterated his commitment to protecting minority rights while maintaining a strong centralized state, rejecting calls for Kurdish autonomy and enforcing authority in Druze-majority areas.

He also highlighted the strategic importance of Syria's coastal regions, warning against any move toward independent governance that could isolate these areas from the rest of the country.