For the first time, the Syrian President visits Latakia and Tartous amidst a popular reception

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa visited, on Sunday, for the first time since assuming the presidency, the provinces of Latakia and Tartous on the Syrian coast after the province of Aleppo, amid a warm public reception.

Syrian TV reported, via Telegram, that "the city of Latakia hosted President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who received a warm welcome from its good people, which reflects the spirit of unity among Syrians under wise and just leadership."

Large crowds welcome Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in the city of Latakia, the stronghold of the fugitive Bashar al-Assad family, and the stronghold of the Alawite sect. #al-Sharaa #al-Assad #Yemen_Youth pic.twitter.com/a5uFIEUkzO

— Yemen Youth TV Channel (@TVyemenshabab) February 16, 2025

Latakia, with its ancient history and authentic heritage, is a beacon that opens its doors to a new phase of construction and stability, as part of the nation’s march towards a brighter future, according to the same source.

Al-Sharaa received a wide public reception in Sheikh Daher Square in Latakia Governorate, which includes within its geographical scope the village of Qardaha, the birthplace of former Syrian President Hafez al-Assad, who ruled the country with his son under the banner of the Baath Party for nearly five decades.

Video clips circulating on social media showed the arrival of Ahmed Al-Sharaa’s convoy to Sheikh Daher Square in the center of the city, where thousands of Syrians gathered to welcome Al-Sharaa, amidst a wide security presence and the closure of roads leading to the square.

The circulated videos showed a crowd of Syrians carrying the Sharia on their necks amid great joy and cheering.

In a magnificent and spontaneous scene, the people of Tartous welcomed President Sharaa ❤️ pic.twitter.com/sjiaZZuJV6

— Mousa Alomar (@MousaAlomar) February 16, 2025

Sources in the province told the German News Agency (DPA) that "Al-Sharaa arrived in the city of Latakia coming from Idlib province via the Aleppo-Latakia road, which had been closed since 2013 after the armed factions took control of the southwestern Idlib countryside. Russia tried to open this road but failed."

The Syrian President also visited Tartous Governorate today for the first time since assuming the presidency, according to Syrian TV.

President of the Syrian Arab Republic, Mr. Ahmed Al-Shara, meets with dignitaries and notables of Tartous Governorate during his visit to the city #Presidency_of_the_Syrian_Arab_Republic pic.twitter.com/rHxd09qsgd

— Presidency of the Syrian Arab Republic (@G_CSyria) February 16, 2025

In the same context, the official SANA agency said that "President al-Shara met with dignitaries and notables of Aleppo Governorate (northwest), including the Afrin region and its countryside, during his visit earlier today."

This came a day after President al-Shara'a met with dignitaries and notables of Idlib Governorate (northwest), according to SANA.

On December 8, 2024, Syrian factions took control of Damascus and other cities, ending 61 years of the bloody Baath Party regime and 53 years of Assad family rule.

On January 29, 2025, the new Syrian administration announced the appointment of Ahmed al-Sharaa as president of the country during the transitional period, in addition to other decisions including the dissolution of the armed factions and security services of the previous regime, the People's Assembly (parliament), the Baath Party that ruled the country for decades, and the abolition of the constitution.

Source: Agencies