Media: Syrian Forces sent to Damascus suburb after violent Druze clashes Photo

On March 2, security forces in Syria were deployed in a suburb of Damascus following deadly clashes with Druze militants. 

The move comes amid rising tensions, reportedly sparked by Israel's calls to protect this minority group, Caliber.Az reports, citing SANA.

Thus, a shooting incident at a checkpoint in the Jaramana district, which is predominantly home to Druze and Christian communities, occurred on February 28. This led to further confrontations the following day between security forces and local fighters tasked with safeguarding the area.

Hossam Tahkan, the head of local security, stated on March 2 that "our forces have begun deploying" in Jaramana to end the "chaos and illegal checkpoints created by criminal gangs." He vowed to arrest those responsible for the killing of a Defence Ministry official during checkpoint incident on February 28, adding that the perpetrators had "refused to surrender."

Tahkan also noted significant cooperation from Jaramana’s residents in handing over control of the suburb to the new authorities. Druze leaders in the area pledged to withdraw protection from any criminals, promising to turn over anyone found guilty of involvement in the recent violence to stand trial.

Note that, a fatal shooting occured late on March 2 night near a mosque in the village of Hayaleen, situated in the countryside of Hama. At least six people were killed, and 12 others wounded in the attack.

By Aghakazim Guliyev