Netanyahu Orders Army to Protect Druze in Jaramana Amid Rising Tensions
In a significant development amid mounting security concerns, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz have instructed the Israeli army to safeguard the residents of Jaramana, a town south of Damascus. According to a statement from the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office, they will not allow what they described as the “Islamic regime” to harm the Druze community.
This announcement comes at a time when Jaramana, located in the Damascus countryside, is witnessing heightened tensions between internal security forces and rogue armed groups operating outside state authority. The situation has been exacerbated by a surge of sectarian rhetoric on social media, with unrest spilling over into the neighboring Sweida province.
Security Chief Details Incident in Jaramana
Lieutenant Colonel Hussam Tahhan, head of the Damascus Countryside Security Directorate, provided details about the escalating unrest. He explained that on Friday evening, Syrian Defense Ministry personnel visiting relatives in Jaramana were stopped at a checkpoint operated by the so-called “Jaramana Shield” militia. The soldiers were barred from entering with their weapons, and after handing them over, they were reportedly beaten and insulted by militia members. Their vehicle was then targeted with direct gunfire.
Tahhan revealed that one soldier was killed instantly, while another was injured and briefly detained by the militia. The incident escalated further when attackers stormed the local police station, expelling officers, hurling insults, and seizing their weapons. Although “Jaramana Shield” initially denied holding the captured soldier, he was later released following negotiations with local community leaders.
Tahhan emphasized that efforts are ongoing, in collaboration with Jaramana’s dignitaries, to pursue all those involved in the shooting. He added that authorities are working to restore police presence at the station. “The Syrian authorities will not tolerate any entity encroaching on Syria’s unity,” he stressed, noting that the root issue lies with those who carried out the attack. He warned that such actions threaten Syria’s security, stability, and unity, urging rational voices to recognize their gravity.
Druze Spiritual Authority Condemns Violence
The Spiritual Authority of the Druze Muslim Unitarian Community in Jaramana issued an urgent statement condemning a tragic incident that occurred on Friday night. The attack, carried out by an undisciplined group not aligned with Druze customs, resulted in the death of Ahmad Deeb Al-Khatib and injuries to two others.
The authority extended condolences to the victim’s family and wished a speedy recovery to the wounded. It vowed not to relent until the circumstances of the incident are fully uncovered, demanding that the perpetrators face justice. The statement underscored that individual actions would not be allowed to tarnish the Druze community’s ties with the Damascus region and the Gouta area.
During a meeting of religious leaders and notables in Jaramana, several measures were agreed upon to address the incident. These included stripping protection from offenders, ensuring their handover to the authorities, and reactivating the Jaramana district center with competent leadership to manage the town’s affairs wisely.
The attendees affirmed that Jaramana remains an integral part of the Damascus Gouta, with deep-rooted historical ties based on mutual respect and good neighborliness. They condemned any attempts to sow discord among Syria’s components, vowing to hold accountable those threatening national unity. The authority also called for an official investigation into a related shooting at the Al-Salihiya police station, which injured two people during an attempt to resolve an earlier dispute.
The statement concluded by reaffirming Jaramana’s reputation as “Little Syria” and a beacon of civil peace, pledging to preserve this legacy through social and spiritual initiatives while hoping for peace, love, and prosperity across the country.
Sweida’s “Free Arab Mountain” Rejects Foreign Interference
Sheikh Suleiman Abdel Baqi, leader of the “Free Arab Mountain” group in Sweida, firmly rejected any foreign interference in the province’s affairs, emphasizing its unwavering commitment to a “Syrian identity.” His remarks came in response to Netanyahu’s statements on Sunday, in which the Israeli leader claimed that Israel would not permit the “new Syrian army” to enter areas south of Damascus, asserting a commitment to protecting the Druze in southern Syria from any threats.
Activists in Sweida echoed this sentiment on Tuesday, calling for a unified rejection of Israel’s declarations.
