Clashes persist in Syria's Damascus countryside despite ceasefire

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen
1 May 2025 07:22
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Clashes continue across southern Syria despite a declared ceasefire, with clashes erupting in Kanaker as "Israel" seeks to exploit sectarian tensions.

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Members of Syria's security forces deploy in the town of Sahnaya, south of Damascus, on April 30, 2025. (AP)

Clashes continued to intensify across southern Syria this week, particularly in the Damascus countryside, despite the announcement of a preliminary ceasefire in select areas.

Fighting erupted overnight on Thursday on the Kanaker front, with local sources confirming to Al Mayadeen that heavy gunfire and mortar shelling struck the village.

By dawn, local factions reportedly repelled an armed assault by militant groups, successfully halting the offensive although intermittent gunfire persisted.

The latest confrontation follows several days of deadly unrest in southern Damascus. On Tuesday, violence broke out between government-backed armed groups and local residents in Jarmana and Ashrafiyet Sahnaya, resulting in approximately 70 fatalities. The dead included civilians, armed factions, and members of Syria’s General Security Force.

The conflict was initially triggered by the leak of an audio clip containing insults directed at Prophet Muhammad. Although Druze religious leaders swiftly denounced the content, the unrest persisted.

'Israel' exploits internal unrest

As the security situation deteriorated, authorities announced a ceasefire agreement in Jarmana and Ashrafiyet Sahnaya late Wednesday. The announcement followed a high-level meeting involving governors from the Damascus countryside, al-Suwayda, and Quneitra, along with Druze sheikhs from Sahnaya.

Syrian Information Minister Hamza Mustafa accused "Israel" of taking advantage of the internal instability. “Israel is trying to play the sectarian card to gain a foothold in Syria as part of its ongoing plans,” he warned.

Mustafa reaffirmed that “Syrian Druze are an inseparable part of Syria and have contributed significantly at many pivotal moments in the country’s history.”

The situation remains tense, as local communities and authorities work to contain the violence and prevent further external interference in Syria’s internal affairs.