A truck filled with armed men and a black sport utility vehicle were prominent sights in the Syrian town of Ashrafieh Sahnaya on Friday morning, signaling the government's return to control after two days of violent clashes between armed groups. The unrest, which resulted in dozens of deaths, highlighted the fragile security situation under the new Syrian leadership.
In a religious meeting hall, government officials and Druse religious leaders convened to discuss unity and peace. Jameel Mudawwar, the area’s top official, emphasized the need for collective solidarity, stating, “We’re all in one ship. If it sinks, God forbid, we’ll all sink.”
The Druse militias, who have maintained control over a strategic region in southern Syria, had previously resisted integration into the national military under the new Islamist government, fearing for their safety. However, local Druse leaders in Ashrafieh Sahnaya agreed to surrender their weapons and incorporate some fighters into government forces in exchange for concessions, including investigations into abuses during the recent violence.
Sheikh Abu Rabih Haj Ali, the town's senior Druse religious leader, expressed a desire for peace, stating, “We don’t want to carry weapons. We don’t want to be against the state.”
The government has faced challenges since the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime in December, particularly regarding the safety of religious and ethnic minorities, including the Druse. Recent violence was exacerbated by a false audio clip that incited attacks against the Druse community, leading to at least 101 fatalities, according to a war monitor.
In Ashrafieh Sahnaya, the fighting included mortar attacks and drone strikes, with local militia members engaging both government forces and Sunni extremists. The rebel coalition that ousted Assad included factions that remain difficult for the government to control.
Israel intervened by launching airstrikes against Syrian government targets to protect the Druse population. The Druse community, numbering over one million across the Middle East, practices a secretive offshoot of Islam.
As the meeting concluded, some attendees expressed skepticism about the government's assurances of safety. Mudawwar urged patience, promising a better future for all. Despite personal losses, some, like Saleh Makiki, expressed a willingness to move forward, especially after the government released 32 local detainees.
However, opinions remained divided in the town. Bahira Haj Ali expressed distrust towards government forces, asserting that the local militias were vital for security. There was also disagreement over the origins of the recent violence, with conflicting narratives from both Sunni and Druse residents.
In the town square, young men rallied with the flag of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, chanting in support of their sect, underscoring the ongoing sectarian tensions amidst calls for unity.