Druze Communities in Syria Face Rising Uncertainty Amidst Sectarian Violence

The Druze community in Syria faces escalating violence and uncertainty following sectarian clashes, leaving residents like Lama al-Hassanieh feeling unsafe and betrayed by the state they once aligned with for protection. The situation raises concerns over the future of religious minorities in a potentially intolerant post-war environment.

In the Damascus suburb of Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, Lama al-Hassanieh locked herself in the bathroom as gunfire erupted outside, uneasy with the chaos erupting in her neighborhood. Reports of fighters in military uniforms calling for a "jihad against Druze" created palpable fear in a community that has historically tread a delicate line in Syria's turbulent political climate. With the longstanding loyalty of many Druze toward the regime of President Bashar al-Assad faltering under recent assaults by extremist groups, widespread anxiety about their precarious position has intensified.

The Druze, who practice a faith rooted in an offshoot of Shia Islam, have been caught in the crosshairs of Syria's lengthy civil conflict. Under Assad, they maintained a cautious alliance with the government, believing it would offer them protection from the sectarian violence that plagued other communities. However, a shift appears to be occurring with opposition forces gaining ground and leading to distrust toward the state.

The atmosphere turned incendiary in late April when a seemingly fabricated audio recording surfaced, allegedly featuring a Druze leader making blasphemous remarks about the Prophet Muhammad. What ensued was a flurry of sectarian violence across Syria, with the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reporting over 130 deaths, including civilians and fighters, in the aftermath.

Young students like 21-year-old Lama Zahereddine faced a perilous situation as violence escalated around her university, pushing many students, including the vulnerable Druze, to flee under fire. This development has fostered a fear that transcends physical danger: the erosion of trust in those around them, including classmates, has left many Druze questioning their place in a society they once felt protected by.

Hadi Abou Hassoun, a Druze volunteer, experienced violence firsthand as he tried to defend Ashrafiyat Sahnaya during the attacks. His injuries from an ambush reflect the dire circumstances these communities now face, as trust in the government's ability to safeguard them appears to be waning.

History has shown that sectarian divides can be exploited for political gain, but with the Syrian state asserting its commitment to uphold its diverse population's integrity, many Druze remain skeptical. Observers note that recent events may signal an upward trend toward a Sunni-dominated landscape where religious minorities, like the Druze, may find themselves increasingly marginalized.

Though recent clashes have subsided, community sentiment remains fraught with tension. Residents like Lama acknowledge a change in the neighborhood dynamic, where those who fled during the violence have returned, but not without apprehension towards their new neighbors. The sense of betrayal is palpable as calls for justice remain unaddressed, emphasizing their desire not to be labeled merely as a minority but as equal citizens in a unified Syria.

As familiar foes become unfamiliar faces, messages of inclusion from the government ring hollow. The Druze community seeks justice and acknowledgment from the state, fearing a continued slide into marginalization amidst Syria's complex sectarian landscape.