Syria Druze head warns of sectarian incitement amid Jaramana violence
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Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri condemns attacks on civilians in Jaramana, as Syrian authorities respond to religious insults and deploy security reinforcements to allegedly prevent further violence.
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Druze gunmen stand next to a checkpoint a day after clashes between members of the minority Druze sect and pro-government fighters in the southern suburb of Jaramana, Damascus, Syria, April 29, 2025 (AP)
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."
No tolerance for offenses against sacred symbols
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.
Al-Hallak explained that the ministry is closely following the recent insults against the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and other religious symbols, reflecting its commitment to protecting religious and national identity.
He noted that the ministry has contacted the Public Prosecution to initiate legal proceedings under the Penal Code and Legislative Decree No. 20 of 2022.
Security reinforcements in Jaramana
Meanwhile, a security source told Syrian official media that General Security checkpoints have been deployed at the entrances and exits of Jaramana to maintain order, alongside reinforcements from the armed forces and aerial reconnaissance flights. However, the source confirmed that no internal security presence has been established inside the city so far.
The source added that armed groups inside Jaramana are currently blocking civilian access and cutting off roads.
Clashes triggered by sectarian insults spark fears of wider violence
The city witnessed violent clashes after an audio recording circulated on social media, containing insults directed at the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and attributed to a Druze religious figure. Such offenses are criminalized under Syrian law.
The clashes, involving armed groups from both within and outside the area, resulted in casualties on both sides. The renewed tensions have reignited fears among the Druze community of potential massacres, reminiscent of attacks carried out in Syria’s coastal regions last month.
Clashes in Syria's Jaramana city leave several killed, injured
Clashes in Jaramana, 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.
Read more: Syrian activists speak out about violations by new security forces
