Druze under attack in Syria

[MIDDLE EAST] A series of deadly sectarian clashes south of Damascus has left at least 74 people dead, including members of Syria's Druze minority, in what has been described as a "genocidal attack" by Druze spiritual leaders. The violence erupted after a fabricated audio recording, falsely attributed to a Druze cleric, sparked outrage among Sunni Muslims. As tensions escalate, the conflict underscores deeper divisions within Syria's fragile post-Assad political landscape.

The clashes began on April 28, 2025, in Jaramana, a predominantly Druze suburb of Damascus, following the circulation of an audio recording allegedly containing blasphemous content against the Prophet Muhammad. The recording was falsely attributed to Druze cleric Marwan Kiwan, who publicly denied any involvement. Despite the Ministry of Interior's confirmation of the recording's falsity, the incident ignited sectarian tensions, leading to violent confrontations between Druze militias and Syrian government forces.

The violence spread to nearby towns, including Sahnaya and Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, where armed groups attacked security checkpoints, resulting in numerous casualties. Reports indicate that some victims were executed by government-affiliated forces, with bodies found mutilated and burned.

Local sources say that the initial wave of violence also included coordinated online disinformation campaigns, likely aimed at inflaming sectarian divides. Dozens of accounts on encrypted messaging apps and social media platforms shared doctored images and audio clips within hours of the original fake recording's release. Analysts believe the digital propaganda campaign was intended to provoke swift retaliation, further destabilizing the region.

Government Response and Allegations

The Syrian government has stated that a temporary truce was brokered between Druze dignitaries and official representatives, leading to the withdrawal of Druze gunmen from the streets. However, Druze leaders have accused the government of orchestrating systematic killings through allied extremist gangs. Sheikh Hikmat Al-Hijri, the Druze spiritual leader, condemned the government's actions as a "genocidal campaign," citing videos showing captured Druze men being abused by pro-government militias.

Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have called for an independent investigation into the recent atrocities. They cite photographic and video evidence appearing to show indiscriminate shelling of civilian areas, possible war crimes, and the execution of non-combatants. The organizations argue that accountability is critical not only for justice but also to prevent similar acts in other parts of Syria.

The Druze community, which comprises approximately three percent of Syria's population, has historically maintained a degree of autonomy while accepting protection from the central government. However, the rise of Islamist factions, such as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has led to increased mistrust among Druze leaders, who fear for their community's safety.

Amid the escalating crisis, many Druze families have reportedly begun fleeing their homes in southern Syria, seeking refuge in safer areas, including parts of Lebanon and the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights. Aid organizations warn that the influx of displaced families is putting additional strain on already overwhelmed humanitarian corridors, with urgent needs for food, medical care, and shelter.

International Reactions

The escalating violence has drawn international attention. On April 30, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the Israeli Defense Forces had conducted a strike against what he described as an "extremist group" preparing to attack the Druze population south of Damascus. Israel subsequently executed a second military strike that reportedly killed a Syrian security forces member in the vicinity of Damascus. Following these actions, Israel's military chief of staff issued orders to prepare for potential attacks on Syrian government targets if violence against the Druze population continued.

In addition to military actions, Israel has extended protection to the Druze community in southern Syria. Prime Minister Netanyahu has publicly vowed to protect the Druze, and reports indicate that Israeli authorities are developing programs to allow Syrian Druze to work in Israeli towns on the Golan Heights, aiming to strengthen cross-border ties and provide economic opportunities.

The United States and European Union have issued statements condemning the attacks and urging restraint from all parties involved. U.S. State Department officials hinted at possible sanctions against Syrian military figures believed to be connected to the recent violence. Meanwhile, the UN Security Council has scheduled an emergency session to address the humanitarian and security implications of the conflict.

Broader Implications

The recent violence highlights the fragile state of Syria's post-Assad political environment. The overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024 led to the rise of a transitional government led by HTS, an Islamist faction previously affiliated with al-Qaeda. This shift has raised concerns among minority communities, including the Druze, who fear marginalization and persecution under the new leadership.

The Druze community's reluctance to disarm stems from a desire to protect their cultural identity and ensure their safety amid rising sectarian violence. The international community's response, including Israel's protective measures, underscores the broader geopolitical implications of the conflict and the need for a comprehensive approach to address the concerns of minority groups in Syria.

The deadly attacks on Syria's Druze community are not isolated incidents but part of a larger struggle for survival and recognition in a rapidly changing political landscape. As sectarian tensions continue to rise, the international community must consider the broader implications of these conflicts and work toward a solution that ensures the protection and rights of all Syrian citizens, regardless of their religious or ethnic background.