Syrian authorities have arrested 21 people in the coastal province of Latakia following sectarian violence that led to an overnight curfew in the provincial capital. The arrests were linked to alleged connections with the former government of the ousted president Bashar al-Assad, according to Syrian state media.

The violence erupted in Latakia city on Monday, mainly in neighbourhoods populated by the Alawite religious minority. The unrest followed the deaths of three people a day earlier, including a member of Syria’s security forces. These incidents happened amid large protests by members of the Alawite community in Syria’s coastal region after a deadly bombing at an Alawite mosque in the city of Homs.

State television reported that security forces in Latakia province arrested 21 individuals described as “former regime remnants.” The report said they were “involved in criminal acts, sectarian incitement and targeting internal security forces.” The arrests came after clashes and attacks were reported across the city.

Due to the violence, authorities imposed a curfew in Latakia city starting Monday night. The curfew remained in effect until 6:00 am (0300 GMT) on Wednesday. Latakia is considered part of Syria’s Alawite coastal heartland but is also home to several Sunni-majority neighbourhoods, making it a mixed and sensitive area.

Journalists from AFP who visited the city on Tuesday witnessed residents cleaning up the damage caused during the previous night’s unrest. Several cars were damaged, and shops had been vandalised during the clashes.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that a young Alawite man was shot dead during the unrest. According to the group, he was killed “after being chased” by several men amid the chaos.

On Monday, Syrian authorities confirmed that security forces had increased their presence in Latakia in response to the violence. The government said the aim was to restore calm and prevent further unrest.

Interior Ministry spokesman Noureddine al-Baba addressed the situation on Tuesday and strongly condemned the violence. He said Syria rejected “any acts of sabotage or attacks that affect the dignity of citizens or their property.” He also added that “the necessary legal measures would be taken against those responsible.”

The recent violence has raised concerns among Syria’s minority communities, especially the Alawites. Since the ousting of Bashar al-Assad, who himself belongs to the Alawite sect, in December last year, the community has faced repeated attacks.

On Friday, a bomb exploded at a mosque in a predominantly Alawite area of the central Syrian city of Homs, killing eight people. The Saraya Ansar al-Sunna Islamist militant group claimed responsibility for the attack. Analysts believe the group acts as a front organisation for Islamic State (IS) jihadists.

Earlier this year, in March, hundreds of Alawites were killed in sectarian massacres in the coastal regions, further deepening fear and mistrust.

Although authorities in Damascus have repeatedly said that all communities in Syria will be protected under the new leadership, many minority groups remain cautious and uncertain about their future in the country.