Sectarian clashes near Damascus leave Druze fighter among the dead

Recent sectarian violence near Damascus has resulted in the deaths of at least two individuals, including a Druze fighter, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The overnight clashes erupted in Sahnaya, located about 15 kilometers southwest of the capital, and left 14 others either wounded or unaccounted for. The violence followed similar deadly confrontations earlier in the week that killed 14 people, including seven Druze fighters.

These new clashes were reportedly sparked by a controversial audio recording shared on social media, which contained religiously offensive content attributed to a member of the Druze community. The Druze religious leadership swiftly condemned both the recording and the violence, warning that such provocations aim to inflame sectarian tensions.

Fighting also flared in the suburb of Jaramana, which is home to large Druze and Christian communities. Armed groups clashed with security forces after the controversial audio circulated. The Observatory reported that the death toll from these confrontations included seven Druze fighters and seven members of the security forces or their affiliates.

Syria's interior ministry acknowledged the sporadic clashes and confirmed the deployment of security forces to restore order. It vowed to hold those responsible for inciting violence and insulting Prophet Mohammed accountable. At the same time, Druze leaders placed the blame squarely on Syria’s new Islamist-led government, accusing it of marginalizing minorities, much like the previous regime.

Local residents described a tense and frightening situation, with many confined to their homes amid gunfire and empty streets. Humanitarian worker Riham Waqqaf expressed concern that the violence could escalate and transform Jaramana into a full-scale battleground.

These latest incidents come on the heels of last month's bloodshed in Syria’s coastal Alawite region, where over 1,700 civilians were reportedly killed by security forces and allied factions. The interim Islamist government, led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa and backed by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, has accused Assad loyalists of provoking that violence and has promised a thorough investigation.

The Druze community, meanwhile, continues negotiations with the current authorities over integrating their fighters into the new national army. Despite calls for inclusion, the recent surge in violence highlights the fragile sectarian balance and deep-rooted mistrust between communities.