Syrian Assaults on Druze Spark Tensions With Israel, Analysis Shows

Israel and the recently formed Syrian administration might be heading towards conflict over dangers faced by the Druze in southern Syria The rapid crisis unfolded within just two days starting from April 28. It originated from rumors regarding an audio clip alleged to be offensive towards Muslims. Consequently, extremists converged and defamed the Druze community, issuing genocidal threats as well.

This seems to be a recurrence of events that frequently occur. Islamic world Where supposed "insults to Prophet Muhammad" have resulted in lynchings, murders, and massacres. For many years, this pretext has been employed in Pakistan to oppress minority groups. In 2012, it was leveraged to incite mobs to assault the U.S. embassy in Cairo, which ultimately culminated in an attack claiming the life of the U.S. Ambassador to Libya, Christopher Stevens.

Currently, this approach has become widespread in Syria. The nation's newly established leadership has been attempting to mend the sectarian divides that have intensified over the past few months. In recent events, thirteen individuals lost their lives and several more were wounded during these confrontations. According to Rudaw Media, a Kurdish news outlet, "This fatal occurrence coincides with an overall escalation in sectarian strife across the country, particularly violent incidents in areas predominantly inhabited by Alawites which resulted in approximately 1,500 fatalities, underscoring the escalating rifts within Syrian society."

The document stated that "violence erupted between local Sunni and Druze communities following the dissemination of an alleged blasphemy audio clip, purportedly including derogatory remarks about the Islamic prophet Muhammad. This recording appeared on the internet less than two days ago and was linked to well-known Druze religious leader Sheikh Marwan."

The IDF stated that they assisted injured Druze individuals from Syria.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced on April 30 that they assisted injured Druze individuals from Syria. "Not long ago, three people," Syrian-Druze Citizens were moved from Syria to be treated medically in Israel. These individuals, who had been hurt within Syrian borders, were taken to the Ziv Medical Center located in Safed. The IDF continues to keep an eye on events unfolding in the area and has stationed and readied its forces for both defensive actions and potential changes in Syria," as stated by the IDF.

The IDF additionally stated that Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir directed them to get ready for strikes targeting assets associated with the Syrian government if attacks against Druze populations persist. The statement also mentioned that "the IAF carried out an attack on combatants near the outskirts of Damascus who were responsible for attacking Druze civilians."

This development has raised many concerns across the area. According to reports from Al-Ain Media in the UAE, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) conducted a precautionary attack aimed at discouraging extremists from targeting members of the Druze faith. This situation is being meticulously monitored throughout the region. Numerous nations have welcomed the administration led by Ahmed al-Shara'a; however, these same countries wish to avoid disorder and acts of ethnic purification. It’s worth noting that some states have supported extremist factions within Syria. Similarly, Ankara has provided backing to previous insurgent organizations which were then transformed into proxy forces. As an example, in 2018, proxy fighters aligned with Ankara executed ethnic purges against Kurdish populations in Afrin located in northwestern Syria. Consequently, Turkey might approve of assaults directed towards minority communities like the Druze and Alawites.

In Sahnaya, Syria, where conflicts have occurred, extremist groups were filmed accusing the Druze community of being "Jews" and promoting hatred along with conspiracies against them. According to Al-Ain, "following outbreaks of violence that led to fatalities in regions predominantly inhabited by Druze close to Damascus, tensions escalated into confrontations between Druze and Sunni populations." The report further states that Israel perceives the newly established government in Damascus, assuming office in December, as an increasing menace at their borderlines and has committed itself to safeguarding Syrian Druze.

The Syrian Foreign Ministry stated in a statement that Damascus "affirms its absolute rejection of all forms of foreign interference in its internal affairs." A Syrian Interior Ministry spokesman from Sahnaya said he had no indication of an attack in the town, Al-Ain noted. “The official Syrian news agency quoted a source in the Ministry of Health as saying that ‘outlaw groups targeting of civilians and security forces’ in the Sahnaya area resulted in 11 deaths and a number of injuries,” Al-Ain noted.

Reports from Syria indicate that six individuals lost their lives in Dara'a due to sniper fire. As stated by Agence France-Presse, "This has led to sectarian confrontations shifting to a fresh region close to Damascus involving armed factions associated with the government and those affiliated with the Druze community." The Syrian authorities allege that residents in Sahnaya attacked a checkpoint manned by members of the Syrian security forces.

Turkey has previously criticized Israel for its actions in Syria. U.S. President Donald Trump aims to ease tensions between Israel and Turkey. He values his relationship with Turkey’s leader and considers their viewpoints. Nevertheless, Israel remains committed to safeguarding the Druze population within Syria. Additionally, they have been reaching out to the Kurdish community. Following discussions in early March, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) decided to merge into Syrian security structures. Yet, should Damascus fail to manage radical elements effectively, the Kurds might resist integration due to fears similar to those faced by Alawites and Druze who were targeted as a result. It appears that extremists in Syria are exploiting this scenario to incite genocide against the Druze under false pretenses about religious offenses. Such tactics mirror practices employed globally by extreme Islamist groups.

Syria’s The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates affirmed its categorical rejection of all forms of external interference in its internal affairs, Syrian state media said on April 30. “The recent calls by outlaw groups that have participated in violence on Syrian soil to demand so-called ‘international protection’ are illegal and completely rejected,” SANA noted.

"These appeals originate from entities functioning beyond the bounds of Syrian law, evidently aiming to globalize an issue that should be tackled solely through the nation’s governmental bodies. Such moves pose a significant risk to the country's cohesion and weaken domestic initiatives intended to reinstate safety and stability across Syria," stated the Syrian Foreign Ministry in a communiqué released on Wednesday.

The Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs likewise "expressed their steadfast dedication to safeguarding every segment of the Syrian populace without exception, including the esteemed Druze community, which has consistently been and continues to be an essential part of Syria’s national identity."

The statement also noted that "the Syrian government greatly appreciates the wise and responsible actions taken by several Druze sheikhs and leaders in damping down the flames of discord and maintaining civil harmony."