Clashes near Damascus kill at least 18, intensify sectarian tensions

Clashes in the southern suburbs of Damascus, particularly in Druze-majority areas such as Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, Sahnaya, and Jaramana, have intensified this week, resulting in dozens of fatalities, including civilians and members of pro-government forces. The violence was reportedly triggered by the circulation of an offensive audio recording targeting Islam, sparking sectarian tensions and leading to the imposition of night curfews and deployment of security forces. Multiple sources attribute the unrest to both government-linked armed groups and local factions, with heavy weapons and drones used in the fighting. Druze spiritual leaders have condemned the violence as a 'genocide campaign' and called for international intervention, while other local groups have accused the Damascus government of fostering sectarian strife. Israel has announced strikes on an extremist group allegedly threatening the Druze population, vowing to protect the community, though Druze leaders have not requested such intervention. The ongoing violence is straining the relationship between Druze communities and the Syrian government, complicating efforts to integrate Druze-majority regions into the state.