Deadly clashes erupted in the Druze areas of Syria, raising alarms about escalating unrest in the region. The fighting, which involved Islamist armed groups, security forces, and Druze fighters, occurred near Damascus and has left at least 101 people dead, including many from the Druze community.
The violence began in Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, a suburb of Jaramana, and spread to the southern province of Suweida, where the Druze make up a significant portion of the population. Reports indicate that among the dead are 71 Druze, including civilians and armed men. The clashes were reportedly sparked by a provocative audio recording that circulated on social media, falsely attributed to a Druze cleric, which insulted the Prophet Muhammad.
In response to the violence, Israel conducted airstrikes aimed at protecting Druze civilians. Israeli officials stated that the strikes were a warning to the Syrian government to ensure the safety of the Druze people. The Druze community, which has a significant presence in Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and Israel, is deeply concerned about the ongoing violence and the threats posed by extremist groups.
The Syrian government has deployed security forces to restore order, labeling the attackers as "outlaw groups." However, the spiritual leader of the Druze community, Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, condemned the government’s actions, calling the violence an "unjustifiable genocidal campaign" and asserting that the Druze were merely defending their homes.
This latest outbreak of violence highlights the fragile security situation in Syria, which has been in turmoil for over a decade. Despite efforts by the new Syrian authorities to unify the country, many remain skeptical of their intentions, especially given their ties to jihadist groups.
The clashes in the Druze areas add to the already complex landscape of Syria, where various factions and external players, including Israel and Turkey, continue to vie for influence. The ongoing conflict and the fear of further escalation underscore the challenges facing Syria as it attempts to move toward stability and peace.