Druze Community Faces Uncertainty and Fear in Post-War Syria

Fri Oct 24 2025 11:14:38 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Amid increasing sectarian violence, the Druze community in Syria grapples with instability and distrust towards the government and its own societal ties.

As violence escalates in Syria, the Druze community finds itself vulnerable and questioning their safety. Recent attacks fueled by misinformation and extremist rhetoric have shattered any semblance of trust between the Druze and authorities, leaving many to fear a future devoid of protection and stability.

In the Damascus suburb of Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, fear has taken root among the Druze population. When gunfire erupted near her home, local resident Lama al-Hassanieh rushed to hide in her bathroom as armed men roamed the streets, shouting threats against her community. "I don't know who to trust anymore," she expressed, reflecting the growing anxiety within the Druze, a religious group with distinct beliefs that stem from Shia Islam.

Historically, the Druze have navigated a precarious position in Syria's political landscape. During the rule of former President Bashar al-Assad, many aligned themselves with the regime, believing that such loyalty would shield them from the chaos enveloping the country amid a 13-year civil war. While they did take to the streets during pivotal protests, Assad displayed restraint towards the Druze to portray himself as their protector against radical Islamist elements. Their own militia formed to guard against Sunni extremists, allowing them a degree of peace, but this fragile arrangement began unraveling as Sunni Islamist-led factions gained power, raising fears of persecution.

The troubles for the Druze escalated in late April when a supposed audio recording of a Druze cleric insulting the Prophet Muhammad circulated, inciting violent backlash against them. Despite denials from the cleric and the interior ministry's declaration of the tape's falsity, it set off a storm of sectarian violence that left at least 137 people dead according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, marking a grim chapter in community relations.

Students like Lama Zahereddine found themselves caught in the crossfire, their educational pursuits shattered. "Our men had nothing to match that," recalled Lama, whose hopes of graduating soon fell to chaos as her university became a scene of violence. The sense of isolation deepened as some classmates mocked her plight, leaving her to question the reliability of those around her.

Community members have expressed an urgent desire for legal protection rather than mere assurances from the government. Hadi Abou Hassoun, a volunteer who tried to defend Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, felt betrayed by the state silenced amidst escalating attacks. “What represents us is the law,” he asserted, underscoring the community's demand for accountability and justice.

Amidst ongoing strife, external forces such as Israel conducted airstrikes in the vicinity claiming they were defending the Druze, a reminder of the intricate geopolitical dynamics at play. With the immediate threats subsiding, lingering mistrust remains a dominant sentiment among residents. "Trust has been broken," said Lama. "Where is the justice?"

As the Druze community contemplates its future, the uncertain landscape offers little solace. They seek assurance of their rightful place as Syrians deserving of equal protection, not as an endangered minority. The fear that they may become wholly isolated within their own homeland looms large, as they search for answers and security in an increasingly fragmented society.