syrian druze

Israel's stated commitment to defending the syrian druze is, by the admission of some of its leaders, consistent with a long-term strategic goal -- the weakening of Syria. "The State of Israel feels indebted to the Druze and their exceptional commitment to the Israeli army," said Efraim Inbar, a researcher at the INSS. According to Inbar, defending the Druze is also part of the new post-Assad geopolitical landscape in which Israel "is trying to protect the Druze and Kurdish minorities from the Sunni majority and prevent Turkey from extending its influence to Syria".

The UN special envoy for Syria condemned recent Israeli airstrikes following clashes between pro-government gunmen and Druze fighters, which have resulted in nearly 100 deaths. Israel stated its forces are on the ground in Syria to protect the Druze minority. The airstrikes targeted areas near Damascus and other Syrian regions, prompting international concern over escalating violations of Syria's sovereignty.

syrian druze spiritual leader Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri on Thursday condemned what he called a "genocidal campaign" against his people, after two days of deadly sectarian clashes. His call comes after sectarian clashes between Syrian security forces, fighters aligned with them, and local Druze fighters killed 17 people in Jaramana on Monday night and 22 people in Sahnaya on Tuesday night, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) monitor.

Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel carried out a strike in Syria on Wednesday on an "extremist group" preparing to attack members of the Druze community in the Damascus region. "The IDF (military) carried out a warning action and struck the organisation of an extremist group preparing to attack the Druze population in the town of Sahnaya, in the Damascus region of Syria," said a statement from the Israeli leader's office.

Israeli airstrikes targeted areas near Syria's presidential palace following escalating clashes between pro-government forces and the Druze minority. This action, Israel's second this week, serves as a stern warning to Syria's Islamist-led leadership. The strikes followed Druze leader Sheikh Hikmat Al-Hijri's condemnation of the government's actions against his community.

United Nations special envoy Geir Pedersen urged Israel Saturday to halt its attacks on Syria "at once", after it carried out multiple air strikes targeting the Islamist-led authorities following sectarian violence this week. "I strongly condemn Israel's continued and escalating violations of Syria's sovereignty, including multiple air strikes in Damascus and other cities," Pedersen said in a post on X, calling "for these attacks to cease at once".

Hundreds of clerics from Syria's Druze minority on Friday are heading to Israel where they will conduct a pilgrimage to a sacred shrine, the second such visit since longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad's ouster. Unlike during a smaller visit to the shrine last month, the clerics will spend the night in Israel this time.

French President Emmanuel Macron is set to host Syrian interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in Paris, marking the first European visit for the former rebel leader. Macron aims to reaffirm France's commitment to a stable and democratic Syria, urging the new government to stabilize the region, especially Lebanon, and combat terrorism.

A Syria war monitor on Tuesday said at least nine people were killed in clashes between Druze fighters and security forces loyal to the Islamist government who stormed a Damascus suburb. "Heavy clashes erupted in Jaramana after security forces and affiliated gunmen stormed" areas of the mostly Druze and Christian suburb of Jaramana, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa is scheduled to meet French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris. This marks Sharaa's first European visit since assuming power after Bashar al-Assad. The meeting occurs amidst concerns over human rights and sectarian clashes in Syria. Macron aims to encourage stability and respect for all Syrian communities.

Indian Muslims for Secular Democracy (IMSD) condemns civilian massacres in Syria by Islamist forces targeting Alawites, Christians, and Shias. IMSD calls for an independent inquiry and urges global and Indian communities to speak out against these sectarian killings.

Syria's Foreign Minister, alongside counterparts from neighboring nations, called for lifting Western-led sanctions and emphasized post-war reconciliation efforts. This comes amid recent violence involving Alawite insurgents in Syria. Neighboring countries expressed concerns about stability and the impact of Syria's economic troubles.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa called for national unity and peace on Sunday, after more than 1,000 people were reportedly killed in coastal Syria in the worst clashes since the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad. "We must preserve national unity (and) civil peace as much as possible and, God willing, we will be able to live together in this country," Sharaa said from a mosque in Damascus The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor has reported that 745 Alawite civilians were killed in Latakia and Tartus provinces.

Hundreds of Syrians burnt tyres, blocked roads and chanted anti-government slogans in the mainly ethnic Druze city of Sweida on Thursday to protest against worsening economic conditions and this week's gasoline price hikes.

Israel has announced the release of two prisoners -- one of whom was convicted of spying for Syria -- as part of a swap deal brokered by Russia. Sidqi al-Maqt, from the Druze community in the annexed Golan Heights, was jailed in 2015 to 11 years for spying, treason, contact with a foreign agent and transfer of information to the Syrian government.

Dozens of demonstrators angry over worsening economic conditions in Syria stormed the governor's office in the southern city of Sweida on Sunday and set fire to parts of the building amid a heavy exchange of gunfire, the authorities and witnesses said.

German chancellor Olaf Scholz assured Syria's interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa of Berlin's support for Syria’s transition after Bashar al-Assad’s ouster. In their first call, Scholz congratulated Syrians on ending Assad’s rule and emphasized the need for an inclusive political process. He also stressed the importance of counterterrorism efforts. While Sharaa is working to restore Syria’s diplomatic ties, the country faces ongoing territorial and governance challenges, including unrest in the south and north.

This report details Syria’s new Islamist rulers, led by HTS, launching a national dialogue conference in Damascus to shape the country’s post-Assad future. The interim government pledges inclusive governance and reconstruction while facing challenges like economic recovery, minority concerns, and unifying armed factions. Meanwhile, Israel warns against HTS expansion near its border, and Syria’s new leadership seeks international recognition and sanctions relief.

Protesters in the Syrian city of Sweida have shut down the ruling Baath party headquarters as they continue their demands for an end to authoritarian rule. The protests, now in their second week, are driven by worsening living conditions and high gasoline prices. Demonstrators are calling for political changes and for President Bashar al Assad to step down. The protests in loyalist areas pose a significant challenge to Assad's hold on power. The authorities have not publicly addressed the protests but have instructed security forces to avoid confrontation.

Syrian opposition forces, spearheaded by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and backed by Turkish-supported militias, are rapidly advancing on Damascus after seizing key cities like Aleppo and Hama. This marks the closest opposition forces have been to the capital since 2018, raising concerns about the country's future.