Updated with new information from Shafaq News, on May 1, 8:20 Damascus time
The mayor of Sahnaya and his son were shot dead by unidentified gunmen on Thursday in a volatile suburb of Damascus, according to reports from Shafaq News. The assassination comes amid escalating violence between the Druze residents, a significant minority in Syria known for their distinct religious and cultural identity, and government-aligned fighters that have claimed dozens of lives in recent days.
Mayor Warwar, as he was identified in local reports, was killed just hours after security forces from Syria's Interior and Defense ministries had deployed to the area in an attempt to restore order. The slain official had appeared in video footage only a day earlier discussing peace efforts following the arrival of the General Security Directorate.
The Syrian government, speaking through an anonymous spokesperson, has expressed grave concern over the potential for further destabilization in the already volatile region. A full investigation into this brazen attack, which threatens to disrupt the fragile peace, has been launched.
The violence has spilled over into neighboring Jaramana, with casualty figures approaching 40 dead, according to local sources. By Thursday evening, state news agency SANA reported that a preliminary ceasefire agreement had been reached between warring factions, with officials pledging protection for "all communities, including the Druze."
Complicating matters further, an Israeli drone strike reportedly hit near Sahnaya, targeting a Syrian security patrol in what observers describe as Israel's first direct military intervention involving Syria's Druze minority since the onset of the civil war. Damascus Governor Amer al-Sheikh confirmed that the strike killed an officer and a civilian while wounding several others.
The Israeli military justified the operation as targeting 'extremists involved in attacks on Druze civilians', believed to be affiliated with [specific group or organization], and subsequently arranged for the evacuation of three wounded Druze to receive medical treatment in Israel.
Syria's Foreign Ministry, in a statement condemning foreign interference, has reaffirmed the government's unwavering commitment to protecting all components of the Syrian people, including the noble Druze community.
Turkey Calls for Dialogue and End to Israeli Strikes
Turkish Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Öncü Keçeli expressed confidence that the violence in southern Syria would be resolved "through dialogue and common sense between the Syrian administration and local elements," adding that those responsible for the unrest would face justice.
"In this sensitive period for Syria, the duty of the international community, especially regional countries, is to contribute to security and stability in Syria and support steps toward social reconciliation," Keçeli stated. "Israel needs to end its air strikes that are damaging efforts for unity and integrity in Syria."
The spokesperson emphasized that Turkey would "continue to support reconciliation and peace efforts among all elements that make up Syrian society," underscoring regional concerns about the potential for broader conflict should the situation deteriorate further.
Previous Developments:
Photo: The Times of Israel
This article has been updated with new information from The Times of Israel, L'Orient Today, and Naharnet on May 1, 2024, 16:10 Damascus Time.
The situation surrounding Syria's Druze minority has escalated following deadly clashes near Damascus, with community leaders blaming the Syrian government for the violence. Reports indicate a growing trend of Druze taking up arms for self-defense. At the same time, the events have triggered mobilization within the Lebanese Druze community and drawn warnings from prominent figures about potential external interference.
The initial reports focused on significant clashes erupting in Druze-populated areas close to the Syrian capital. Druze leaders were quick to point fingers at the Syrian government, accusing it of instigating or failing to prevent the violence that resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries. This added another layer of tension to the already complex relationship between the Druze community, particularly in the southern province of Suwayda, and the Assad regime.
Amidst these tensions, and as the violence is increasingly perceived as sectarian, some Druze individuals and groups within Syria have begun arming themselves, according to a report by The Times of Israel. This move towards self-armament suggests a growing lack of faith in the state's ability or willingness to protect the minority group and a determination to ensure their security against perceived threats.
The violence has also reverberated across the border in Lebanon, home to a significant Druze population with strong ties to their Syrian counterparts. L'Orient Today reported that the Lebanese Druze community has begun mobilizing in response to the events in Syria. This mobilization signifies deep concern and solidarity, potentially translating into political pressure, humanitarian aid initiatives, or other support for the Druze in Syria.
However, this mobilization comes with political complexities. Veteran Lebanese Druze leader Walid Jumblatt issued a strong warning to the Druze community in Syria, urging them to reject any potential interference or offers of assistance from Israel, as reported by Naharnet. Jumblatt's statement highlights concerns about external actors exploiting the situation for geopolitical gain. It reflects a desire within some segments of the Druze leadership to navigate the crisis without Israeli involvement, despite Israel's proximity and past interactions with Syrian Druze near the Golan Heights.
While the immediate focus has been on the clashes near Damascus and the subsequent reactions, the situation in the predominantly Druze province of Suwayda, which has seen waves of anti-government protests over the past year, remains under watch. Previous reports indicated a state of cautious calm, though the recent events near the capital and the trend towards self-arming could impact stability there.
Calls for international aid and intervention to protect the community and de-escalate the situation continue, now amplified by the cross-border mobilization and explicit warnings about external interference. The confluence of local clashes, government blame, community armament, regional solidarity, and geopolitical warnings paints a picture of a community facing increasing peril and navigating a treacherous path.
Previous information from Syria TV and ANHA on April 8, 2025, 13:20 Damascus Time.
Tensions remain critically high in the areas surrounding Damascus, particularly in the towns of Ashrafiyat Sahnaya and Jaramana, following deadly clashes earlier this week. While a withdrawal of specific forces was reported previously, the situation is fragile, marked by accusations against the Syrian government and calls for international intervention. Concurrently, Israel has reportedly issued threats against Syrian government targets, adding another layer of complexity to the volatile situation.
New Developments
Recent reports indicate significant political fallout from the clashes. The Syrian Democratic Council (SDC), the political wing of the SDF in North and East Syria, issued a statement explicitly holding Syrian authorities responsible for the recent tensions and violence in Ashrafiyat Sahnaya and Jaramana, areas with significant Druze populations.
Echoing this sentiment, Sheikh Hikmat al-Hajari, a prominent spiritual leader of the Druze community, launched a scathing attack on the Syrian government regarding its handling of the crisis. In a widely reported statement, Sheikh al-Hajari condemned the government's actions and urgently pleaded for "rapid international assistance," signaling a deep mistrust and potentially seeking external protection or mediation for the community.
Further south, in the Druze-majority province of Suwayda, a "cautious calm" has reportedly settled after earlier periods of violent clashes. However, this calm is underscored by the deployment of Syrian Army units into the area, ostensibly to "control security" and prevent further escalation.
The human cost of the violence was highlighted by reports of funerals held in the neighboring province of Daraa for individuals killed during clashes on the crucial Damascus-Suwayda highway. This confirms fatalities occurred directly linked to the confrontations between local groups (presumably Druze fighters) and government-affiliated forces.
A meeting was reportedly held in Ashrafiyat Sahnaya to de-escalate, involving Druze sheiks from Suwayda and Syrian government officials. The specific outcomes of this meeting remain unclear, but it represents an attempt to find a diplomatic resolution amidst the heightened tensions.
The violence has also drawn condemnation from broader Syrian political actors. A coalition of 34 political parties and organizations, primarily based in North and East Syria, issued a joint statement calling for an immediate halt to the "war in the Damascus countryside," urging all parties to cease hostilities.
What happened?
The backdrop of the recent developments includes ongoing friction between the Syrian government and elements within the Druze community, particularly in Suwayda, over issues of autonomy, security, and economic conditions. The Israeli threat mentioned earlier adds a geopolitical dimension, although its direct link to the recent Druze government clashes near Damascus requires further clarification.
The situation remains volatile, with the recent accusations by Druze leadership and the SDC, the call for international aid, and the Syrian Army's deployment in Suwayda indicating that the underlying issues are far from resolved. The fragile calm could easily be shattered, and the potential for broader conflict persists.
Updated with newest information from Enab Baladi, May 1, 00:20 Damascus Times
The situation near Damascus remains volatile following clashes that led to a Syrian Army withdrawal. While reconciliation efforts are reportedly underway in the affected area, the atmosphere continues to be marked by fear and rumors among the local population.
Adding a significant layer of regional tension, Israel has now threatened to strike Syrian government targets, according to a report by Enab Baladi. This development introduces a major external factor into the complex Syrian situation and heightens concerns about potential escalation beyond the recent internal clashes near the capital.
Previously: Syrian Army Withdraws After Clashes Near Damascus; Reconciliation Efforts Begin Amid Fear, Rumors
The Syrian Army has reportedly withdrawn from the Ashrafieh Sahnaya area near Damascus after deploying forces to quell deadly sectarian clashes that left at least 11 people dead. While security forces state calm has been restored, local sources indicate a tense atmosphere persists, fueled by fear and rumors following the violence.
The initial clashes, previously reported by The Levant Files, erupted earlier this week between Druze and Sunni residents in the adjacent towns of Sahnaya and Ashrafieh Sahnaya, southwest of the capital. The violence was allegedly triggered by the harassment of Druze women by Sunni men displaced from the Eastern Ghouta region. The situation quickly escalated, involving gunfire and resulting in at least 11 fatalities and dozens of injuries, prompting school closures and a curfew.
Updates based on information from Syria.tv and various Syrian internet sources reveal that the Syrian Army completed its withdrawal from Ashrafieh Sahnaya after establishing security in the area. Government forces are now reportedly coordinating with local community leaders and notables ("ujamaa") to identify and pursue individuals involved in instigating and participating in the violence. This shift suggests an attempt to de-escalate the military presence and manage the situation through local channels and reconciliation efforts.
However, despite the Army's withdrawal and official assurances of restored security, further reports highlight that fear continues to grip the streets of Sahnaya. Residents remain anxious following the recent deaths and injuries. The situation is further complicated by the spread of rumors, including unconfirmed claims circulating locally about alleged Israeli intervention during the unrest, adding another layer of tension to the already volatile environment.
The underlying sectarian friction, exacerbated by demographic shifts due to displacement from other conflict zones in Syria, remains a significant concern in the region. The recent deployment and subsequent withdrawal of the Army underscore the fragile security situation in areas surrounding the Syrian capital, even years after the government re-established control. Efforts by local leaders will be crucial in addressing the root causes of the conflict and ensuring accountability to prevent future outbreaks of violence.
Previous Information: Death Toll Rises to 11 as Sectarian Violence Spreads Near Damascus; Schools Close
The death toll from sectarian clashes in Ashrafiat Sahnaya has risen to 11, according to a report from the Syrian News Agency (SANA) cited by the Enab Baladi. This marks a significant escalation from earlier reports that indicated only two fatalities in the area.
Clashes have intensified in Ashrafiat Sahnaya between groups formerly affiliated with the Syrian opposition and local factions stationed in the city. According to journalists from the area who spoke with Enab Baladi, the attacks originated from the southern side of the town, near the Arab Bank at the south entrance.
Shells continue to fall on residential neighborhoods in Sahnaya, with residents unable to determine the source of the fire. The situation has deteriorated significantly since the initial reports of violence on Tuesday.
Schools and Universities Suspend Operations
The ongoing violence has severely impacted educational institutions across the region. Schools in both Sahnaya and Jaramana have suspended classes for the second consecutive day due to security tensions and clashes.
Meanwhile, several private universities along the Daraa Highway have postponed their classes as students cannot reach campus. According to a student named Hala Sarawi from Jaramana who spoke to Enab Baladi, the Arab International University on the Daraa Highway did not officially announce a suspension of classes. Still, the administration turned away students who arrived on Wednesday.
Medical Response and Humanitarian Situation
The affected areas in Ashrafiat Sahnaya lack proper medical facilities, with only small health centers that cannot meet the current needs Red Crescent teams are working to transfer the injured to hospitals outside the area, passing through General Security checkpoints en route to Damascus.
Emergency teams have been unable to enter the city from outside, while ambulances belonging to the Syrian Red Crescent center in Ashrafiat Sahnaya are managing to transport the injured "smoothly," according to local journalists who spoke with Enab Baladi.
Security Measures and Restrictions
General Security Service checkpoints have prevented entry to affected areas from the road leading to Daraa province and established security barriers to prevent the spread of confrontations. This has effectively isolated the conflict zones and complicated evacuation and relief efforts.
Situation in Jaramana
Jaramana is currently experiencing a "cautious calm" after armed confrontations that began on Monday evening and continued until Tuesday morning. Though tensions remain high, these clashes ended with an agreement between city elders and the government.
The agreement, reached on Tuesday, includes provisions to compensate victims' families, hold perpetrators accountable, and work on bringing those responsible to justice. However, it remains uncertain whether this truce will hold, as similar deals in the past have collapsed afterward.
Root Cause of the Violence
The clashes in both locations erupted following the circulation of an audio recording on social media that contained alleged insults to the Prophet Muhammad, attributed to a Druze cleric. The cleric himself, Marwan Kiwan, has categorically denied making the recording, stating in a video: "I did not say that, and whoever made it is an evil man who wants to incite strife between components of the Syrian people."
Syria's Interior Ministry stated it has launched comprehensive investigations regarding the circulated audio recording. Initial findings indicate that the person attributed to the recording is not the actual voice's owner. The ministry has called for adherence to public order and restraint from actions that could further disturb public security.
Broader Context of Sectarian Tensions
This outbreak of violence comes amid growing sectarian tensions in Syria. The Druze religious leadership in Jaramana has condemned the audio but also blasted the "unjustified armed attack" on the suburb and urged the state to clarify what happened publicly.
The incidents reflect the fragile sectarian balance in Syria, where the Druze minority has often found itself caught in broader conflicts. In March, similar clashes occurred in Jaramana between Druze gunmen and government forces, highlighting the persistent nature of these tensions.
Earlier Report: Deadly Clashes Erupt Near Damascus Amid Religious Tensions (30/04/2025 11:13)
At least two people have been killed in fresh religious clashes on the outskirts of Damascus, a non-governmental organization reported on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. The violence broke out overnight in the settlement of Sahnaya, approximately 15 kilometers southwest of the Syrian capital. It pitted forces linked to the authorities against local Druze fighters, who bravely defended their community, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
A resident of Sahnaya told Agence France-Presse (AFP) that mortar shells were striking the area, intensifying fears among civilians already grappling with the aftermath of deadly fighting in a nearby location predominantly inhabited by the Druze community just a day earlier. The Druze, a religious minority in Syria, have often found themselves caught in broader conflicts, as is the case in the ongoing unrest. This highlights the fragile sectarian balance in Syria.
In a related development, there is a glimmer of hope as efforts to de-escalate tensions have emerged in Jaramana, a city in Rif Dimashq province, following hours of armed confrontations. On April 29, a government delegation met with local elders and representatives of the Druze community to broker peace. According to the Jaramana News Network, the meeting included Mohammad Ali Amer, representing the Rif Dimashq Governor, and Ahmad Tumeh, a political affairs official. The parties agreed on key provisions, including compensating victims' families, holding perpetrators accountable, curbing incitement through media, and securing civilian traffic between Damascus and As-Suwayda governorates.
The clashes in Jaramana were reportedly triggered by a controversial audio recording circulating on social media, containing insults against the Prophet Muhammad, attributed to a Druze sheik who later denied the claim. The violence left six dead and 15 injured, with sporadic gunfire persisting despite security forces' efforts to contain the situation. Main entrances to Jaramana remain closed, while religious and political leaders have strongly condemned the incitement and called for clarity and accountability from the Syrian government.