Death toll in armed clashes in Druze town near Damascus rises to 11
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – The Syrian Ministry of Health announced on Wednesday that the death toll from ongoing clashes in Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, a Druze predominantly town south of Damascus, has risen to 11, with several others injured.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry’s media office via state-run SANA, the fatalities include both civilians and members of the security forces, following attacks by what authorities have described as “outlawed armed groups” operating in the area.
Ali al-Rifai, Director of Public Relations at the Ministry of Information, told North Press that recent unrest in the predominantly Druze city of Jaramana was triggered by an armed convoy originating from Ashrafiyat Sahnaya.
The convoy reportedly included a vehicle equipped with a heavy machine gun and attempted to enter Jaramana.
“The security checkpoint in the area intercepted the convoy and blocked its passage, prompting the group to open fire, resulting in injuries to three checkpoint personnel,” al-Rifai said.
Following the initial clash, the armed group reportedly surrounded the checkpoint, prompting immediate intervention from the General Security forces to lift the siege and secure the area.
Later that evening, the same armed group launched a surprise assault on multiple General Security checkpoints across Ashrafiyat Sahnaya using light machine guns and RPGs, wounding several security personnel, al-Rifai added.
“In response, the General Security forces quickly deployed across the area to restore order and protect residents. However, members of the group took to rooftops and began sniper attacks targeting security forces, resulting in the deaths of five officers and injuries to others,” he said.
In the early hours of Wednesday, the armed group allegedly opened fire on a vehicle arriving from Daraa, killing six of its passengers.
Authorities have since intensified their security presence in and around Ashrafiyat Sahnaya in an effort to contain the violence and safeguard civilians, according to the Ministry of Information. The situation remains tense as operations continue.