Clashes Break Out Between Syrian Government and Druze Factions

Clashes broke out late Monday night between the Syrian government and local fighters in the Druze-majority city of Sanamayn, located south of the capital, Damascus.

According to a video posted online by fighters aligned with the Syrian government and led by Ahmed Al-Sharaa, a resident of Sanamayn allegedly made an insult against the Prophet Mohammad — a claim the accused resident has denied.

Numerous videos began circulating online Monday night and into Tuesday morning, showing heavy fighting around the city. There are currently no reports of casualties.

By early Tuesday morning, the fighting appeared to have stopped, with Syrian security forces taking control of the entrances to the city.

The clashes mark the first reported fighting between Damascus and the Druze population in southern Syria since the fall of Bashar al-Assad's government in December.

Since Assad’s fall, tensions have been rising across the country. Violent clashes, including civilian deaths, have occurred along Syria’s coastal regions, while in the north, a fragile but holding peace has been maintained with Kurdish-led authorities. Despite mounting tensions in the south, open fighting had been absent — until now.

In southern Syria, protests against the new authorities have been frequent, with growing calls for greater Druze autonomy.

The previous absence of fighting may be linked to Israel, which has a significant Druze population and has previously threatened to intervene should Druze communities in Syria come under attack from government forces.

Since Assad’s ouster and Israel's subsequent occupation of parts of southern Syria, Israel has reportedly been strengthening ties with local Druze groups, including hosting visits by Druze clerics.

Israel’s recent declaration of itself as a protector of the Druze may be part of a broader geopolitical strategy to extend Israeli influence into southern Syria. There has been speculation that Israel may eventually back the formation of a Druze-led breakaway state that could one day be incorporated into Israel.