Over 100 casualties have been reported due to sectarian violence in Syria, ignited by social media rumors involving the Druse community. The unrest threatens to deepen the fractures within a nation already struggling after a civil war.
Surge in Sectarian Violence in Post-War Syria Claims Over 100 Lives
Surge in Sectarian Violence in Post-War Syria Claims Over 100 Lives
Recent clashes across Syria highlight escalating sectarian tensions, particularly surrounding the Druse minority, leading to a significant death toll and fears of further fragmentation.
The death toll from recent sectarian violence in Syria has exceeded 100, as reported by a war monitoring group, following a surge of clashes primarily affecting the Druse minority. The violence began in the city of Jaramana after a controversial audio clip purportedly featuring a Druse cleric insulting the Prophet Muhammad circulated on social media. While the cleric denied the claims, armed Sunni extremist groups launched attacks on Druse-populated areas, prompting local militias to defend their neighborhoods.
The unrest escalated quickly, spreading from Jaramana to the southern outskirts of Damascus, including Ashrafieh Sahnaya, and eventually reaching Sweida, a region predominantly controlled by the Druse community. The ongoing conflict has raised alarm about the stability of a nation already vulnerable post-civil war and under the shadow of the Assad regime's downfall in December. This marks the second significant outbreak of sectarian violence following the recent regime change, underscoring the fragility of sectarian relations in Syria today.
