Overview

• At least 73 people were killed in two days of sectarian clashes between Druze fighters and pro-government forces in Jaramana and Sahnaya near Damascus.
• Localized ceasefires have been established, with security forces deployed to maintain calm after agreements between Druze leaders and Syrian authorities.
• Sheikh Hikmat al-Hajri, the top Druze spiritual leader, accused the government of a 'genocidal campaign' and called for international intervention to protect civilians.
• Israel conducted airstrikes near Damascus, warning of further action if violence against the Druze continues, while France urged restraint and condemned the sectarian violence.
• The clashes, triggered by a controversial audio message deemed blasphemous, highlight ongoing instability in post-Assad Syria under the interim government of Ahmed al-Chareh.