Information Minister Hamza al-Mustafa stated that the heinous crime in Zaydal was intended to provoke sectarian strife by inciting retaliatory reactions, exploiting divisions that have built up over decades of sectarian policies under the former regime.
In a post on X, Al-Mustafa emphasized that, “Despite the severity of the crime and some violent retaliatory reactions among residents, both the state and society acted swiftly to contain the perpetrators’ aims before escalation.” He praised the rapid security deployment and the coordinated efforts between local authorities and civil society, which helped restore calm quickly.
Al-Mustafa further stressed that promoting civil peace and national unity is a top priority for the Syrian government, a goal that requires continued efforts on transitional justice, accountability, and community reconciliation.
Following the crime, security forces reinforced their presence across Homs and imposed a temporary curfew. The measures were designed to prevent unrest, safeguard both public and private property, and maintain stability in the province.
