Tensions Flare in Damascus Suburb Amid Sectarian Violence

In a Damascus suburb, deadly clashes erupted between Druze locals and pro-government forces, sparked by a controversial audio clip. The incident led to significant fatalities and highlighted local tensions. Authorities are investigating, with calls for heightened security and clarity from the Syrian leadership.

Clashes erupted on Tuesday morning in Jaramana, a suburb of Damascus, leading to at least 10 deaths according to a war monitor and activist group. The violence involved local Druze gunmen and pro-government fighters.

The unrest was triggered by a circulated audio clip, allegedly criticizing Prophet Muhammad, attributed to a Druze cleric. However, Marwan Kiwan, the cleric in question, denied these claims in a video post, emphasizing his innocence and condemning the attempt to create sectarian strife.

The Druze leadership denounced both the audio and subsequent armed response, urging government transparency. Meanwhile, a persistent tension has prompted community calls for increased security measures in the area.

(With inputs from agencies.)