Violent clashes in the Druze-majority areas around Damascus, Syria’s capital, have left at least 16 civilians and security officials dead. The fighting broke out on Tuesday night after unknown gunmen attacked a security checkpoint in Ashrafiah Sahnaya, south-west of Damascus.
Reports also emerged that an attack in the nearby suburb of Jaramana killed at least 10 people on Monday. The Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, announced that Israeli forces struck an “extremist group” preparing to attack the Druze population south of Damascus, sparking fears of further violence.
The clashes are part of a wider trend of sectarian tensions in Syria, where the government is struggling to maintain control. Syrian authorities have been trying to integrate the Druze minority into the state, but negotiations have been slow due to concerns about autonomy and the new government’s background.
Residents reported hearing gunfire, explosions, and shelling on Tuesday morning, prompting the security forces to close off roads leading to the area and send reinforcements. The situation remains volatile, with reports of armed tribesmen stopping convoys of cars from reaching Ashrafieh Sahnaya, which is surrounded by the fighting.
Israel has offered to protect the Druze population in southern Syria, but the Syrian government has said it does not ask for protection. Meanwhile, Syria’s authorities have vowed to deal with “criminals” and will strike with an iron fist anyone who seeks to destabilize the country’s security and target its people.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/30/deadly-syria-clashes-continue-for-second-day-outside-damascus