At least 109 people have been killed by forces associated with the Syrian caretaker government (SCG) between 1 and 3 May, including 42 members of the Druze community, according to Rami Abdulrahman of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. These attacks occurred in the Ashrafiet Sahnaya and Jaramana suburbs of Damascus and were reportedly carried out by general security forces of the the SCG. There have also been casualties reported among the security forces themselves. The violence followed the circulation of a fabricated audio message allegedly from a Druze cleric insulting the Prophet Muhammed.
On 1 May, Ashrafiet Sahnaya was also targeted by an Israeli airstrike, reportedly in response to the attacks on Druze civilians. However, Druze leaders have consistently rejected Israeli political or military involvement in the region. The spiritual leader of Syria’s Druze community, Sheikh Hikmat Suleiman al-Hijri, has called on the international community to act in defence of the Druze population. He has reportedly held talks with Suwayda’s governor, Dr Mustafa al-Bakour, according to the Rojava Information Center.
The Suwayda Military Council has refused to disarm, citing its right to self-defence during what it calls an existential crisis. The group describes itself as a popular auto-defence force and has drawn inspiration from the structures of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria. Minority groups across Syria, including women from Kurdish-majority neighbourhoods in Aleppo, have condemned the attacks. Such expressions of solidarity may prove significant as the Druze community continues to demand protection and recognition.
