Syria claims control in Sahnaya after clashes with Druze armed groups

The Syrian government announced that it has regained control over the Sahnaya district, located south of Damascus, following armed clashes with Druze militant groups that erupted in the nearby Ceramane neighborhood.

Rif Dimashq Governor Amir al-Sheikh stated during a press conference in Damascus, “We have secured control in Sahnaya. The illegal armed group has been neutralized.”

He emphasized the importance of equal treatment for all Syrians and shared responsibility in maintaining public security. Al-Sheikh confirmed the arrest of certain illegal actors in the region, reiterating that weapons must remain solely under state control.

Cease-fire reached with involvement of local leaders

According to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), a preliminary ceasefire agreement was reached in the rural areas of Damascus, Sweida, and Quneitra.

The accord involved local governors and Druze community leaders, aiming to de-escalate tensions in Ceramane and Sahnaya.

Audio recording sparks protests and violence

Tensions escalated on April 28 after a widely circulated audio recording targeting Prophet Muhammad provoked public outrage across Syria.

The speaker, reportedly from Sweida—a predominantly Druze province—insulted the Prophet, sparking mass protests in several provinces the following day.

On April 29, unrest began in Ceramane, evolving into armed clashes after Druze groups ambushed government security forces. The conflict expanded as Druze factions from Sahnaya joined the fighting. At least 13 security personnel were killed, according to reports.

In response, Syrian security forces deployed military reinforcements, including heavy weaponry and tanks, to regain control.

Israeli airstrikes reported following cross-border involvement

Reports suggest that Israel facilitated the cross-border movement of certain Druze groups from the occupied Golan Heights into Syria. Later, Israeli fighter jets launched at least nine airstrikes in Sahnaya, citing the protection of Druze civilians. Two individuals were killed in the strikes.

Sheikh Mowafaq Tarif, a leading Druze figure in the Golan Heights, commented, “Israel must not remain idle in the face of what is happening in Syria.”

Lebanese Druze leaders warn against Israeli exploitation

In Beirut, prominent Lebanese Druze leaders Sheikh Sami Abi al-Muna and Walid Jumblatt held a press conference expressing concern over the conflict.

“We warn everyone against the suspicious conspiracies that Israel is trying to implement,” said al-Muna, stressing that Druze identity is a religious sect within Islam and rejecting any depiction of the community as a separate religion or ethnicity.

Al-Muna urged the Syrian government to take decisive action against radical individuals and groups, rejecting any form of enmity toward Sunni Muslims.

Jumblatt added, “Protecting our Druze brothers means silencing internal voices calling for protection from Israel.”

He called for a transparent investigation by Syrian authorities and expressed readiness to travel to Damascus for discussions. “We are at the beginning of a new era. Either we live in a Syria that respects diversity or we get dragged into Israel’s project to use the Druze through forced migration,” Jumblatt said.

He also called for the formation of a joint committee to mediate the crisis and engage all stakeholders.

Background: Clashes erupt in Sahnaya following ambush

Clashes began when Druze armed groups reportedly ambushed Syrian government forces in Ceramane, with Sahnaya groups joining in shortly thereafter. According to local sources, at least 11 people were killed in the fighting.

Syrian security forces responded with reinforcements and heightened security measures in Sahnaya.