Druze Conflicts and Israeli Intervention South of Damascus (2025)

In the final days of April 2025, armed clashes erupted in the Druze-populated areas south of Damascus, the capital of Syria. The clashes have escalated into an international crisis following Israel’s aerial strikes.

Ceramane Neighborhood, located south of Damascus, Syria, where the clashes began, 30 April 2025 – Anadolu Agency

Background of the Clashes

On 28 April 2025, an audio recording circulated on social media that was alleged to contain insults against the Prophet Muhammad, triggering protests across Syria. The recording was claimed to originate from a person in the Suwayda province. On 29 April, tensions flared in the Ceramane neighborhood, where armed Druze groups ambushed Syrian government security forces, sparking the clashes.

The clashes quickly spread to the Sahnaya district of Damascus, where attacks involving heavy weapons resulted in the deaths of at least 13 security personnel. The Syrian security forces deployed armored vehicles, tanks, and substantial military reinforcements to the area.

Military Situation in Sahnaya and Ceramane

Druze groups from the Sahnaya district joined the clashes that began in Ceramane, expanding the front line. Sheikh Muvaffak Tarif, a Druze leader residing in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, called on Israel and the international community to intervene in response to the developments.

On 30 April, the Syrian government announced that it had regained control of Sahnaya and that several illegal armed elements had been detained. Amir al-Shaykh, Governor of Rural Damascus, declared that security had been restored.

In talks involving the governors of Rural Damascus, Suwayda, and Quneitra, along with several community leaders, a preliminary agreement was reached to establish a ceasefire in the Ceramane and Sahnaya areas. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported that a total of 101 people had been killed in the clashes.

Israeli Interventions

On the morning of 30 April, the Israeli military announced it had carried out a series of aerial strikes targeting the Sahnaya district of Damascus. Defense Minister Yisrael Katz and Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu stated that the objective of the strikes was to neutralize elements targeting the Druze community. In Israel’s initial attacks, locations belonging to Syrian security forces were targeted, resulting in the death of one Syrian security officer.

On 2 May, Israel conducted another airstrike near the Syrian Presidential Palace. This attack was described by Israel as a warning message to the Syrian regime.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar urged the international community to assume responsibility for protecting minorities in Syria. Israel also announced that it had admitted several wounded Druze civilians from Sahnaya for medical treatment on its territory.

International and Regional Reactions

In a statement by the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, all foreign interference in Syria’s internal affairs was rejected, and Syria reaffirmed its determination to protect “all segments of society, including its honorable Druze community.”

United Nations Special Envoy for Syria Geir O. Pedersen highlighted the serious potential for escalation in the security situation around the capital Damascus and Homs, calling for urgent measures to protect civilians. Pedersen expressed concern over Israel’s airstrikes and emphasized the need to halt all military actions.

Additionally, Grand Mufti of the Republic Sheikh Usama al-Rifai stated that the lives of all Syrians are sacred and urged rejection of calls for retaliation and revenge.

Intervention by Lebanese and Israeli Druze Leaders

A statement by Lebanon’s Progressive Socialist Party indicated that its leader Walid Jumblatt had engaged with officials from the Syrian government, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Jordan to seek an end to the clashes in southern Syria. As a result of these talks, a ceasefire agreement was announced to take effect in Sahnaya.