Syria: 14 Killed in Sectarian Clashes Near Damascus, Mostly Druze

Violence in Jaramana, a Druze-majority suburb of Damascus, leaves 14 dead amid rising sectarian tensions in Syria.

Fourteen people, predominantly from the Druze minority, were killed in sectarian clashes in Jaramana, a suburb of Damascus, on the night of April 28-29, 2025, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR). The violence, sparked by a social media audio message deemed blasphemous against Islam, has reignited fears of sectarian conflict in Syria, just months after the ousting of former President Bachar al-Assad by an Islamist coalition in December 2024.

Details of the Clashes

The unrest in Jaramana, a Druze-majority area with a significant Christian population, began after a voice message attributed to a Druze individual was shared online, allegedly insulting the Prophet Muhammad. The SOHR reported that security forces launched an assault on the suburb, leading to violent clashes that resulted in 14 deaths: seven local Druze fighters and seven members of the security forces and affiliated groups. An AFP journalist witnessed the funerals of two security personnel killed in the fighting.

The Islamist coalition governing Syria since December stated through its Interior Ministry that the clashes initially involved “armed groups” before security forces intervened to “protect residents.” The ministry confirmed casualties without specifying numbers and vowed to pursue those responsible. An investigation has been launched to identify the message’s author and bring them to justice, with the Justice Ministry emphasizing that legal action, not violence, is the appropriate response to such provocations.

Local Impact and Fear of Escalation

Jaramana, typically a bustling suburb near Damascus International Airport, was eerily quiet on April 29, with streets deserted and most shops closed. Local fighters were heavily deployed at entry points, urging residents to stay indoors. “We don’t know what’s happening; we’re scared Jaramana will become a war zone,” said Riham Waqaf, a 33-year-old NGO worker, speaking to AFP from her home, where she was sheltering with her family. She canceled a hospital visit for her mother due to the violence.

Security forces, backed by armored vehicles and machine guns, were stationed along the airport road, while local armed groups patrolled the area, heightening tensions. Residents reported hearing gunfire throughout the night, further fueling fears of escalating violence.

Sectarian Tensions and Political Context

The clashes come a month after massacres targeting the Alawite minority, from which Assad hailed, signaling a resurgence of sectarian strife in post-Assad Syria. The Druze, an esoteric offshoot of Islam with communities in Syria, Lebanon, and Israel, have faced marginalization under both the former regime and the new Islamist authorities. Influential Druze leader Sheikh Hikmat al-Hajri condemned the violence as “terrorist attacks” on innocents, accusing the new government of sidelining the Druze community, much like its predecessor.

Local Druze religious authorities denounced the “unjustified armed attack” on Jaramana while also condemning any offense against the Prophet Muhammad. The Justice Ministry called for calm, urging citizens to avoid hate speech and warning of penalties for inflammatory rhetoric.

Regional Dynamics and Israel’s Involvement

Since Assad’s fall on December 8, 2024, after over 13 years of civil war, Israel has sought to engage with Syria’s Druze community. In March 2025, following earlier skirmishes in Jaramana, Israel threatened military intervention if the new Syrian authorities targeted the Druze, a move rejected by Druze leaders who reaffirmed their commitment to Syrian unity. Currently, Druze representatives are negotiating with the central government in Damascus to integrate their armed groups into a future national army, as reported by AP News.

Why This Matters

The violence in Jaramana underscores the fragile sectarian balance in Syria following Assad’s ouster, with the potential to destabilize the country further as the new Islamist coalition struggles to govern a diverse population. The Druze community’s plight highlights broader challenges of minority inclusion in Syria’s post-war landscape. With regional powers like Israel closely monitoring the situation, the risk of external intervention looms, complicating efforts to achieve lasting peace.

Key Takeaways

• Fourteen people, mostly Druze, were killed in sectarian clashes in Jaramana, near Damascus, on April 28-29, 2025.
• The violence was triggered by a social media message deemed blasphemous, leading to a security forces assault.
• The Islamist coalition and Druze leaders are calling for calm, with investigations underway to identify the message’s author.
• The incident reflects ongoing sectarian tensions in Syria, exacerbated by the post-Assad transition.

Stay informed: Follow updates on Syria’s sectarian dynamics and regional stability.

Sources: AP News, SOHR, Wikipedia.