Tensions within the sectarian landscape of Syria have escalated following the deaths of 23 Druze fighters in an ambush along the Suwayda-Daraa road. In response, the prominent leaders of the Druze community have called for urgent international intervention to protect their people, while the Syrian government condemned this call, warning that such appeals could lead to further deterioration and division.
According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, 23 members of the Druze community were killed after being ambushed on the Suwayda-Daraa route. The Observatory reported that the ambush was carried out by forces linked to the Ministries of Defense and Interior, along with auxiliary groups, targeting a convoy of Druze fighters from Suwayda heading to the town of Sahnaaya in the Damascus countryside to support local armed groups. It was noted that 8 additional fatalities were confirmed from this convoy. The report also mentioned that four Druze fighters died in clashes in the village of Soura while defending against an assault by the aforementioned forces and supporting groups. Local news network Suwayda 24 reported that a group of Druze individuals was killed by a treacherous ambush on the Damascus-Suwayda road.
Additionally, the mayor of Sahnaaya and his son were shot dead by unidentified assailants in southern Damascus. Syrian TV reported that both the mayor, Hussam Warour, and his son lost their lives shortly after forces from the Ministries of Defense and Interior entered the region, with the local security services launching an investigation into the incident.
Calls for Intervention
In a related context, a prominent Druze leader, Hikmat al-Hajri, has called for international forces to ensure peace in Syria, describing the events in the neighborhoods of Jaramana and Sahnaaya near Damascus as an unjust extermination campaign against civilians in their homes. In a public statement, al-Hajri urged the international community, including all its organizations and agencies, to acknowledge the neglect and the tragedy affecting their community. He emphasized, “We do not require mere words; we need actions. We are not proponents of separation but advocates for meaningful participation and the establishment of a democratic federal state that respects our dignity, guarantees national and citizen freedoms, and ensures security.” He reiterated that systematic mass killings necessitate international intervention to establish peace and halt these crimes immediately.
Government Warning
In response, Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal al-Miqdad issued a warning that any call for foreign intervention, regardless of the reason or banner, would only lead to increased deterioration and division. The Syrian Arab News Agency reported that al-Miqdad, in posts on X, highlighted the high cost borne by nations due to foreign interventions, which often compromise national interests and serve external agendas irrelevant to Syrian aspirations. He asserted that during this critical phase in the nation’s history, national unity is the solid foundation for any stabilization or revival effort, and rejecting sectarianism and secessionist calls is not merely a political choice but a vital necessity to protect the diverse social and historical fabric of the nation.
Request for Protection
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar also urged the international community to protect the Druze population in Syria, asking that the global community not turn a blind eye to the recent violent events occurring there.
Condemnation
France has condemned the deadly sectarian violence against the Druze in Syria, calling on all Syrian and regional parties, including Israel, to cease hostilities, as stated in a communication from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The statement urged all involved to work towards restoring calm and called on Syrian authorities to exert every effort in this regard. Additionally, the statement requested that Israel refrain from unilateral actions that might exacerbate the sectarian tensions in Syria.