The Druze, a minority group in Syria, now find themselves fearing for their safety as sectarian violence escalates in the aftermath of the civil war. With incidents of aggression against them on the rise and their trust in the government eroding, many are left wondering about their future in a shifting political landscape.
Uncertainty Rises for Druze Community Amid Growing Sectarian Violence in Syria
Uncertainty Rises for Druze Community Amid Growing Sectarian Violence in Syria
As sectarian attacks exacerbate fears, the Druze community grapples with safety and trust in post-war Syria, reflecting a troubling change in allegiance.
In the Damascus suburb of Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, tensions have reached a boiling point for the Druze community following a series of violent sectarian outbreaks. The situation ignited when a controversial audio recording allegedly featuring a Druze leader led to calls for revenge against the Druze by other sects. Approximately 137 lives were lost during a torrent of violence that escalated quickly, leaving the Druze feeling increasingly vulnerable in a country they once considered their home.
Residents like Lama al-Hassanieh had to barricade themselves in their homes, trembling as armed individuals roamed the streets, shouting threats. Historically, the Druze have navigated a precarious balance, aligning with the Assad regime during the civil war with the hope of protection. However, the current climate has disrupted that fragile agreement as Sunni Islamist groups gain more ground.
Witnesses of violence, including university students and community volunteers, report alarming experiences — attacks with heavy weaponry against an already marginalized group. Amidst this chaos, many Druze are questioning the government's assurances of protection, feeling increasingly isolated in a country that appears to be leaning toward a more intolerant stance against minorities.
Recent events have left a palpable sense of betrayal among the Druze. With many losing their lives and livelihoods to conflict and fear, the appeal for accountability from their government has grown louder but remains unanswered. As sectarian lines blur and distrust simmers, those in the Druze community contemplate their identity and security as citizens of Syria — a reflection of a broader struggle for rights and recognition within a nation fraught with division.
