According to a report by AFP on a certain month and day, Syrian Transitional President Ahmad al-Jarba inspected Latakia and Tartus, marking his first official visit to these two provinces, which were once strongholds of former President Bashar al-Assad.

According to reports, photos released by the Syrian Presidential Palace show that during his inspection of this western coastal region of the country, Assad met with local dignitaries and prominent figures. Photos posted on the social platform "Telegram" by the Latakia Governorate show that thousands of people gathered by the roadside as the Syrian leader's convoy passed by.

The report introduces that Bashar al-Assad's birthplace is in Latakia Province, which, along with Tartus Province, are the main settlements for the Alawite sect, a branch of Shia Islam. Bashar al-Assad is also an Alawite. Latakia and Tartus host two Russian military bases, which are allies of Bashar al-Assad.

The head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, Rami Abdulrahman, pointed out: "There are still thousands of officers in Latakia who served the former regime and have not yet resolved their status with the new authorities."

He told AFP that the inspection by Salad might imply that "the Assad regime cannot re-emerge in Latakia or the Syrian coast."

Reports indicate that despite assurances from the new Syrian authorities to protect minority groups, the Alawites still fear retaliation.

Salad was appointed as the president for an indefinite transitional period. On the day of last year's month, the coalition he led overthrew Bashar al-Assad, ending decades of rule by the Assad family.