Clashes in Syria's Jaramana city leave several killed, injured
6 Min Read
Deadly clashes erupted in Jaramana after an offensive audio clip reportedly sparked sectarian tensions, prompting calls for unity and state accountability.
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Syrian government security forces and civilians gather in the town of Douma, in the eastern Ghouta region, near the Syrian capital Damascus, Syria, Monday, April 7, 2025 (AP)
Clashes in the Syrian city of Jaramana, south of Damascus, from Monday night until early Tuesday, have left five residents dead and more than ten others injured, who are currently receiving treatment in the hospital.
Syrian media reported that Jaramana was shelled with mortar fire on Tuesday morning, resulting in civilian injuries.
Syrian sources confirmed that intense clashes broke out near the capital at dawn on Tuesday between gunmen said to be affiliated with Syrian government security forces and local fighters. The fighting left two dead and eight injured.
Similar clashes were also reported in the al-Qaws area of Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, south of Damascus.
The violence erupted following the circulation of an audio recording on social media containing insults against Prophet Muhammad, attributed to a Druze cleric, an act considered criminal under Syrian law.
Several statements from Druze religious leaders condemned the offensive recording. Despite these denouncements, armed groups launched attacks on several Druze-majority areas south of the capital.
Jaramana's Druze religious leadership in a statement condemned "the unjustified armed attack" that "targeted innocent civilians and terrorised" residents, adding that the Syrian authorities bore "full responsibility for the incident and for any further developments or worsening of the crisis."
Druze Spiritual Authority in Syria affirm importance of unity in facing sedition
Similarly, the Druze Spiritual Authority in Syria issued a statement on Tuesday reaffirming its unwavering national and religious stance, emphasizing its solidarity with fellow citizens under the motto, “Religion is for God, and the homeland is for all.”
The statement condemned offensive remarks made against the Prophet Muhammad, describing them as malicious attempts to sow discord and labeling such actions as paid provocations by the enemies of the nation and religion, aimed at dividing Syrian society and dismantling its national fabric.
The authority stressed that anyone who makes such statements targeting religious symbols bears full responsibility and represents no one but themselves, asserting that these views do not reflect the position of the Druze community.
It warned that Syria is facing grave sedition, invoking the saying, “Sedition is dormant; may God curse the one who awakens it,” and called for reliance on faith and reason to confront such unrest.
The statement further condemned those who seek to undermine Syria’s religious and national unity, branding them as corrupt elements who spread destruction and strife.
The authority also affirmed the importance of religious and national unity in facing sedition and conspiracies.
Governor of Sweida: Offenders will be held accountable
Separately, Sweida Governor Mustafa al-Bakour issued a statement declaring that “the state will hold accountable anyone who insults or attacks religious symbols.”
He added, “No one will bear the burden of another’s wrongdoing,” affirming that “we have not and will not allow anyone to transgress against our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).”
The governor noted that he had instructed the police to investigate and identify the individual responsible for the offensive remarks.
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Jaramana residents urge Syrians to remain above sectarian strife
In the same context, a statement attributed to the residents of Jaramana mourned six youths who were "unjustly" killed in the "heinous attack" that targeted the city.
The statement firmly condemned "the sectarian incitement that preceded this crime, and we warn against being drawn into calls for sedition that serve only the enemies of Syria."
"The blood of our sons will not be the fuel for a sectarian war that criminals seek to ignite," it stressed, urging all Syrians to remain above sectarian strife and beyond hatred.
The statement also called on the Syrian authorities to assume their responsibilities by launching an immediate and transparent investigation, and by holding accountable all those who participated in, incited, or planned this crime.
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Warnings against destabilization
In a statement issued early Tuesday, Syria’s Ministry of Interior announced it was “closely following” the widely circulated audio recording, which included “grave insults” against Prophet Muhammad.
The Ministry said its specialized units had launched an investigation, and initial findings indicated that the individual accused of making the recording had not yet been definitively linked to it.
The statement stressed that efforts were underway to identify the person behind the voice in the recording in order to bring them to justice and ensure they face the appropriate punishment.
The Ministry also expressed gratitude to citizens for their strong sentiments and loyalty in defense of the Prophet, while urging the public to uphold the law and refrain from actions that could threaten public safety or lead to violence and property damage.
It reaffirmed the Syrian state's commitment to protecting religious sanctities and holding those who offend them accountable, warning that any violation of the law would be met with strict measures to safeguard security and stability.
Despite these appeals, some statements and videos have surfaced calling for revenge against the Druze community.
A statement issued by a group of tribes in southern Syria demanded the handover of a man named Marwan Kiwan, who they claimed insulted Prophet Muhammad.
The statement threatened the Druze community if Kiwan was not surrendered. Videos have also emerged showing armed men wielding swords and vowing retaliation.
Meanwhile, Al Mayadeen’s correspondent reported a state of military alert among all factions in Soweida province, a predominantly Druze area in southern Syria.
The General Security Directorate deployed checkpoints on all roads leading to the city and closed off all access routes.
The ongoing tension has revived fears of massacres against the Druze community, reminiscent of the atrocities carried out against the Alawite minority along Syria’s coast last month.
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