Armed clashes take over Damascus' suburbs, killing dozens

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News websites
29 Apr 2025 22:04
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At least 16 Syrians have been killed in sectarian clashes in Jaramana near Damascus, following an offensive audio clip, as Syrian authorities pledge action against those responsible.

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Druze gunmen look up as they stand guard next to a checkpoint a day after clashes in the area, in the southern suburb of Jaramana, Damascus, Syria, Tuesday, April 29, 2025 (AP)

At least 16 people, including seven fighters from the Druze community, were killed in violent sectarian clashes in the suburb of Jaramana, near Damascus, according to a war monitor on Tuesday. The confrontations, reportedly triggered by the circulation of a blasphemous audio recording on social media, have been widely condemned by Druze religious leaders.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), based in Britain, said heavy clashes erupted after security forces and affiliated armed groups stormed areas of the predominantly Druze and Christian suburb. The fighting left seven Druze gunmen and seven members of security forces and their affiliates dead.

Moreover, around 10 kilometers to the southwest of Jarmana, in Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, clashes between armed groups broke out on Tuesday, intensifying near dawn the next day. Sources told Al Mayadeen that an attack on checkpoints set up by government forces led to clashes in the area.

Sources also said that air raids targeted government-backed forces, attempting to regain control of the area, saying that the source of these strikes was unknown. In total, six militants were killed in the fighting

These latest events come in the wake of massacres last month targeting the Alawite community in Syria’s coastal region, the worst sectarian bloodshed since the collapse of former President Bashar al-Assad in December.

Interior Ministry pledges action

Syria’s Interior Ministry acknowledged “intermittent clashes between groups of gunmen,” stating that security forces were deployed “to break up the clashes and protect the residents.”

In an official statement, the ministry emphasized its commitment to pursuing those responsible for instigating violence and “undermining security.” It confirmed that investigations are ongoing to determine the origin of the controversial audio recording, which included insults against Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

“We will not be lenient in bringing to justice anyone who contributes to sowing chaos and undermining security,” the ministry declared.

Syria Druze head warns of sectarian incitement

Meanwhile, Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, the spiritual leader of the Druze community in Syria, condemned the recent attacks on civilians in Jaramana, warning that such assaults aim to sow division and undermine societal cohesion. He also cautioned against offenses targeting religious beliefs.

In a public statement, Sheikh al-Hijri questioned, "Where is the security we were promised amid ongoing sectarian incitement without accountability or condemnation?" Stressing the need for cooperation, he rejected the new accusations of treason, describing them as baseless and untimely.

He emphasized that "we are still under the burden of unilateral thinking and exclusion," and lamented that "nothing has been built on sound foundations."

In parallel, Ahmad al-Hallak, spokesperson for Syria's Ministry of Endowments, affirmed that there would be no tolerance for any assault on religious sanctities. He underscored the importance of collective responsibility and maintaining societal peace.