Syrian Government Reaches Agreement with Druze Leaders to Stabilize Damascus
By Kardo Roj
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) –
The Syrian government announced on Wednesday evening that it had reached an agreement with local Druze leaders to end the recent wave of unrest in the suburbs of Geramana and Ashrafiyet Sahnaya, located on the southern outskirts of the capital, Damascus.
The agreement follows several days of heightened tensions and armed confrontations between state forces and local armed groups that had triggered widespread concern over the potential expansion of instability into the capital region.
According to official media sources, the accord allows full deployment of internal security forces—known as al-Amn al-‘Aam—across the two towns, while reaffirming the state’s monopoly on arms in an effort to “restore order and reinforce stability.”
Government outlets reported that the deal was facilitated through consultations between senior officials and prominent Druze religious leaders, known as shuyukh al-‘aql, along with local dignitaries from the region.
As part of the agreement, the provincial governors of Quneitra, Rural Damascus, and Suwayda visited the town of Sahnaya on Wednesday to assess the situation and demonstrate support for the newly brokered calm.
Footage shared widely on social media showed Colonel Hussam al-Tahan, head of the Rural Damascus Security Directorate, conducting a field tour in the area following the end of the security operation, which authorities claimed had targeted “outlaws.”
Speaking to security personnel during his tour, al-Tahan emphasized restraint and professionalism, urging forces not to carry out house raids and to prioritize the protection of civilians.
A press conference by Rural Damascus Governor Amer al-Sheikh was scheduled later in the evening to provide further details on the agreement and outline the government’s plans for sustaining security and engaging with community leaders.
The situation in Jaramana and Ashrafiyat Sahnaya escalated earlier this week when clashes erupted between government-aligned forces and local armed groups, leading to injuries and growing anxiety among residents. These towns, home to large Druze populations, have historically maintained a tenuous relationship with Damascus, occasionally voicing discontent over security policies and administrative neglect.
While the government labeled the opposing groups as “lawless elements,” local sources reported that the clashes reflected deeper grievances regarding governance, security interventions, and community representation.
The developments triggered swift reactions from various political entities, including the Syrian Democratic Council (SDC), which condemned the violence and called for a national dialogue to address growing unrest across the country.