Four dead as security forces, Druze fighters clash near Damascus: monitor

A monitor of Syria's conflict said Tuesday that at least four Druze fighters were killed in overnight clashes with security forces after they stormed a Damascus suburb.

"Heavy clashes erupted in Jaramana after security forces and affiliated gunmen stormed" areas of the mostly Druze and Christian suburb, after "the circulation of an audio recording, attributed to a Druze citizen, containing religious insults", said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) monitor, adding that at least four Druze fighters were killed.

A Jaramana resident told AFP they heard gunfire and shelling during the clashes, which lasted around half an hour.

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The Spiritual Council of the Druze Muslim community in Jaramana strongly condemned a recent audio recording circulating online that allegedly insulted the Prophet Muhammad, calling it "fabricated" and part of a broader plot to incite sectarian strife and destabilize social peace.

In an official statement, the council also denounced the armed attack that targeted the city, noting that most of those injured or killed were local residents and members of the General Security Directorate.

The council reaffirmed its commitment to unity and rejected all forms of incitement and division, urging authorities to investigate the incident thoroughly and hold all those involved accountable to preserve civil peace and the city’s security.

Separately, Syria’s Ministry of Interior said it has been closely following the viral audio recording that contains offensive remarks against the Prophet Muhammad.

In a statement, the ministry said relevant authorities launched a comprehensive investigation, and preliminary findings indicate that the individual accused has not yet been conclusively linked to the recording.

The ministry affirmed that efforts are ongoing to identify the speaker and bring them to justice in accordance with national laws.

It also expressed appreciation to citizens for their sincere emotions and religious devotion, emphasizing the importance of maintaining public order and avoiding any individual or collective actions that could compromise public safety or property.

The ministry reiterated that the state is fully committed to protecting religious sanctities and will hold offenders accountable with determination and responsibility. It warned that any violation of the law would be met with strict measures to ensure stability and security.