Recent sectarian violence in Syria has left the Druze community feeling vulnerable and uncertain about their safety and the government's ability to protect them. Incidents of targeted attacks have eroded trust, prompting fears of a Sunni-dominated order threatening religious minorities.
Druze Community in Syria Faces Uncertainty After Sectarian Violence
Druze Community in Syria Faces Uncertainty After Sectarian Violence
As violence surges in Syria, the Druze community grapples with fear and loss of trust in the state, worried about their future amid rising sectarian tensions.
When the violence erupted in the Damascus suburb of Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, Lama al-Hassanieh found herself locked in her bathroom, trembling in fear. Outside, gunmen wearing military garb yelled threats against the Druze community. This incident was part of a larger pattern of rising sectarian tensions as Syria continues to struggle with post-war unrest.
The Druze—a religious minority rooted in Shia Islam's tenets—have historically maintained an ambivalent relationship with the Syrian state. Many sought to align with former President Bashar al-Assad, believing that cooperation would shield them from the brutal sectarian warfare that enveloped the nation during its 13-year civil conflict. However, recent attacks have sparked concerns about their safety and future.
Violence surged following a controversial leaked audio, allegedly featuring a Druze religious leader insulting the Prophet Muhammad. Even after authorities confirmed it was fabricated, the repercussions were severe. A viral video called for retaliation against Druze, igniting conflict that led to the deaths of at least 137 people, including civilians and security personnel, during clashes that spread across the region.
Students like Lama Zahereddine, whose studies faced interruption due to the violence, recounted harrowing experiences. As she neared graduation, her university became a battleground with assault on her dormitory and fellow Druze students facing brutal assaults. "You never know how people really see you," she reflected, highlighting the fractures within her community.
As the chaos unfolded, local Druze men rallied to protect their neighborhoods, but not without risk. Hadi Abou Hassoun, injured in an ambush, expressed skepticism regarding the state’s ability to ensure safety. "Their ideology is religious, not based on law," he lamented.
The Syrian government maintains its commitment to uphold the rights of all national communities, including the Druze. However, pervasive feelings of neglect and fear permeate the community. Despite a temporary calm after the violent outbursts, residents like Lama al-Hassanieh still feel unsettled. "Trust has been broken," she said, questioning the state’s accountability mechanisms.
For many in the Druze community, the path ahead remains shrouded in uncertainty, prompting calls for equality and justice. "We don't want to be called a minority. We are Syrians," Lama asserted, emphasizing their right to protection and acknowledgment amidst rising religious tensions.
