Overview

• Over 100 people, including at least 15 Druze fighters, were killed in sectarian clashes near Damascus, triggered by an allegedly blasphemous audio clip.
• Israel conducted airstrikes near the Syrian presidential palace, warning the transitional government to prevent further attacks on the Druze minority.
• Druze militias in southern Syria agreed to disarm heavy weapons in exchange for forming a new military unit under government oversight, aiming to stabilize Suwaida province.
• The US condemned the violence against Druze as reprehensible and urged the Syrian government to ensure the safety of all minority groups.
• The Syrian transitional government rejected foreign interference, reaffirming its commitment to protecting all communities, including the Druze.