Overview of security tensions in Rural Damascus, As-Suwayda

Rural Damascus and As-Suwayda, areas predominantly inhabited by Syria's Druze community, have been witnessing serious security escalations since late April 2025. Tensions have mounted between Damascus authorities forces and affiliated groups on one side, and local armed factions from the Druze community on the other. This report outlines the sequence of events from their onset to the present day.

Beginning of the events

The situation began with tensions between the two sides, mainly in the areas of Jaramana and Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, which quickly escalated into heavy clashes on the night of Monday–Tuesday, April 28. Sporadic attacks followed, resulting in casualties on both sides. By Wednesday, Damascus forces had taken control of Jaramana and Ashrafiyat Sahnaya.

Following that, Israel directly intervened, conducting three airstrikes on different sites in Ashrafiyat Sahnaya. Israel described these strikes as warnings, targeting what it called “extremists preparing to attack the Druze.”

The Damascus authorities’ Ministry of Interior claimed that the Israeli airstrikes in Ashrafiyat Sahnaya targeted its own security forces, specifically the "General Security" units.

Developments

On April 30, the clashes extended to the Damascus-As-Suwayda highway. Armed clashes broke out in the Barak area of Rural Damascus after Damascus-affiliated groups attacked convoys of local Druze factions. Many were injured and transported to hospitals in As-Suwayda and Damascus.

The clashes on Wednesday evening along the Damascus-As-Suwayda road resulted in the deaths of 16 Druze fighters from local factions who were trying to reach Ashrafiyat Sahnaya to support its residents. Additionally, at least eight Damascus-affiliated fighters were killed in the ambush, with their names documented by media outlets.

Following the intense clashes that lasted over two hours, the violence spread. The village of Al-Surah al-Kabirah on the Damascus-As-Suwayda road was attacked with various weapons, including mortar shells, prompting the displacement of women, children, and the elderly from the area. The attackers’ identity remains unconfirmed.

The village of 'Arra also came under heavy shelling, causing significant material damage. On the same day, the head of Sahnaya Municipality, Hossam Warwar, and his son were assassinated following the Damascus authorities’ takeover of the area, further intensifying tensions.

Local efforts for de-escalation and agreement

Amid the clashes, there were efforts led by Druze community dignitaries and sheikhs on one side, and political and security officials from the Damascus authorities on the other, aiming to calm tensions in several areas including Jaramana, Sahnaya, and even As-Suwayda. However, these efforts failed to completely defuse the clashes and fighting between the two sides, as sporadic attacks continued.

On Thursday, May 1, a meeting was held in As-Suwayda, during which the Druze Spiritual Council, community leaders, dignitaries, and members of the Druze community issued a statement rejecting division, secession, or separation from Syria. They also rejected the handover of weapons to the Damascus authorities.

The meeting was attended by the spiritual leader of the Druze Muslim community, Sheikh Hikmat Al-Hijri, along with Sheikhs Yusuf Jerbooa and Hammoud Al-Hanawi, Prince Hassan Al-Atrash, Prince Yahya Amer, Atef Hanidi, Wassim Ezz Al-Din, and representatives of the local military factions.

Outcomes of the meeting included:

Immediate activation of internal security forces and judicial police composed exclusively of personnel from As-Suwayda Governorate.

Lifting the siege on Jaramana, Sahnaya, and Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, and restoring normal life there immediately.

Securing the Damascus-As-Suwayda road and ensuring its safety under the responsibility of the Damascus authorities.

A complete ceasefire across all Syrian territories.

The clashes over the past 72 hours have resulted in the deaths of more than 73 people from both sides.

Late last night, villages in western countryside of As-Suwayda were subjected to continuous shelling, including the villages of Labeen, Haran, Jrein, and Al-Dour.

Sources confirmed that militants were using mortars and 23 mm anti-aircraft guns, while the villages and towns witnessed a state of heightened alert among residents and factions, who responded to the sources of fire.

Current situation

At dawn today, Friday, May 2, Israeli warplanes bombed a site on Mount Qasioun in Damascus, near the presidential palace. According to the Israeli side, the strike was a message rejecting the presence of Damascus authorities forces in southern Syria and aimed at protecting the Druze community.

Following the strike, a relative calm prevailed in Jaramana and Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, with a cessation of gunfire, although tensions remained high. No agreement has yet been reached between the two parties to end the ongoing tension or prevent renewed military escalation.

Meanwhile, in As-Suwayda, massive public funeral processions are being held for the victims of the recent escalation, taking place in Samara Square in the city center.

A-H

ANHA