Druze leader condemns Syrian government for genocidal attack

In Syria, tensions escalated in Druze-majority areas south of Damascus this week due to fatal sectarian clashes. The violence erupted after an audio clip, allegedly by a Druze cleric, surfaced online, leading to widespread anger among Sunni Muslims. Following this incident, a series of clashes occurred, resulting in numerous casualties, including local gunmen and security forces. Sheikh Hikmat Al-Hijri, a Druze spiritual leader, condemned the Syrian government, labeling the violence as a genocidal attack against the minority community. The Syrian Information Ministry reported that 11 members of the security forces were killed, while human rights monitors indicated that 56 individuals from the Druze community had also died. The violence was heightened by underlying sectarian tensions, with various armed factions including Islamist groups and government forces engaged in clashes. The involvement of extremist elements has exacerbated fears of instability in the region, with many Druze individuals expressing a reluctance to disarm due to security concerns. Amidst the violence, pro-government militias were seen beating captured Druze men in video footage shared on social media, further inflaming sectarian hatred and suspicion. Reports emerged of a temporary agreement mediated between local Druze leaders and the government, leading to a retreat of Druze fighters from the streets in Sahnaya, though the situation remains precarious. The conflict is viewed as part of a larger narrative of Syria’s ongoing strife following over a decade of civil war, during which minority groups like the Druze and Alawites have faced severe unrest. Despite assurances from the new Syrian authorities to protect minority populations, deep-rooted mistrust remains. The Druze community, which comprises about 1 million individuals worldwide, has been caught in a struggle for survival amidst the shifting power dynamics in Syria. The confrontation represents another potential fault line that could draw Syria back into broader conflict unless a stable resolution is achieved, highlighting the intensity of ethnic and sectarian divides in the region.