Thu May 01 22:09:01 UTC 2025: ## Druze Leader Denounces “Genocidal Campaign” After Dozens Killed in Syria

**DAMASCUS, SYRIA** – Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, a leader of Syria’s Druze minority, has condemned the recent violence in Jaramana and Sahnaya, near Damascus, as a “genocidal campaign.” The clashes, which occurred over two days, resulted in the deaths of at least 101 people, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR).

The violence erupted after an audio clip criticizing Islam’s Prophet Muhammad, falsely attributed to a Druze scholar, circulated online. This sparked clashes between Syrian security forces and allied fighters, and local Druze groups. The SOHR reports that at least 30 government loyalists, 21 Druze fighters, and 10 civilians were killed in the fighting, with an additional 40 Druze fighters killed in an ambush on the Sweida-Damascus road. The Syrian Ministry of Information reported 11 security force members killed in separate attacks.

Videos circulating on social media show pro-government groups beating captured Druze men and making sectarian remarks. Al-Hijri’s statement accuses the Syrian government of allowing extremist gangs to carry out the killings, stating, “We no longer trust a group that calls itself a government, because the government doesn’t kill its own people through extremist gangs that are loyal to it.”

The Syrian government claims a deal has been reached, leading to the withdrawal of Druze gunmen from the streets. However, the violence has raised serious concerns about the safety of the Druze community, prompting a strong response from Israel. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz warned of a “significant force” response if the Syrian authorities fail to protect the Druze.

Syria’s Foreign Minister, Asaad al-Shaibani, rejected calls for international intervention, emphasizing national unity as crucial for stability. However, the recent events follow similar massacres targeting Alawite civilians earlier this year, raising fears of escalating sectarian violence. The Druze community’s reluctance to disarm, citing the need for self-protection, further complicates the already volatile situation.

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