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Syrian government forces deployed to the entrances of the predominantly Druze-populated Jaramana neighborhood in Damascus following a recent wave of violent clashes sparked by a controversial voice recording.
Security forces moved into the area late at night after reaching an agreement with local Druze leaders. After waiting for approximately two hours, the convoy positioned units at the neighborhood’s main entry points.
Jaramana, located roughly 13 kilometers (8.08 miles) south of the capital, had seen intense fighting on April 30 between armed Druze factions and Syrian government forces.
The recent unrest was ignited by an audio recording shared on April 28 on social media. The speaker, allegedly from Suwayda province—home to a large Druze population—made derogatory comments targeting the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
The recording provoked widespread demonstrations across several provinces on April 29. That same evening, tension escalated in Jaramana when armed Druze groups ambushed security forces, resulting in heavy clashes.
Fighting soon spread to nearby Sahnaya, where other Druze factions joined the confrontations. At least 13 government personnel were reported killed.
In response, Syrian authorities dispatched troops, tanks, and heavy weaponry to the area. On the evening of May 1, Israeli fighter jets conducted at least nine airstrikes in Sahnaya, claiming to protect Druze civilians. Two people were reported killed in the Israeli attack.
According to the Syrian government, control over Jaramana and Sahnaya was reestablished on May 1.
In a meeting held in Suwayda province, Druze leaders condemned the violence and called for national unity. Notable figures, including Hikmat al-Hijri and Hasan Atrash, emphasized their opposition to partition and stated, "A united Syria is our honor. We firmly reject division, separation, or disengagement."
They also called on the Syrian Interior Ministry to strengthen its presence in Suwayda using local personnel and asserted that the safety of the Suwayda-Damascus highway must be ensured by the state.
Following the meeting, Druze leader Lays al-Balus confirmed an agreement with the government to enhance local security efforts. He warned that armed groups seeking to undermine peace would be countered in cooperation with state institutions.
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