Heavy Weapons Handover Agreed in Jaramana, Druze Leaders Reaffirm Syria’s Unity

The Syrian government and community leaders in Jaramana have reached an agreement on the handover of heavy weapons and the expansion of the security forces’ presence. The Druze leaders reaffirm Syria

Syria, PUREWILAYAH.COM — The Syrian government and community leaders in the southern city of Jaramana have reached an agreement for the surrender of weapons amid intensifying violence triggered by a sectarian controversy. The accord follows deadly clashes in Druze-majority areas near the capital and growing allegations of abuse by security forces.

Disarmament Agreement in Jaramana

On Thursday, Damascus Countryside Security Chief Hossam al-Tahan announced that Jaramana's community representatives have agreed to immediately hand over heavy weapons, with a phased surrender of smaller arms to follow. All weapons are to be exclusively held by official state institutions.

The deal also stipulates an increased deployment of General Security forces within the city to stabilize the situation, alongside the stationing of Syrian Ministry of Defense units on Jaramana’s outskirts.

The Progressive Socialist Party (PSP) confirmed that the agreement was reached peacefully, aiming to resolve tensions that erupted earlier in the week.

Sectarian Tensions Spark Violence

A couple of days ago, violence erupted in Jaramana following the circulation of an audio recording on social media containing insults against Prophet Muhammad, attributed to a Druze cleric, an act considered criminal under Syrian law.

Several statements from Druze religious leaders condemned the offensive recording.

Despite these denouncements, armed groups launched attacks on several Druze-majority areas south of the Syrian capital, which left dozens killed and several others injured amid tensions, escalating fears of further sectarian violence.

Fatalities and Field Executions Reported

Local sources reported that the death toll in Suweida alone has surpassed 40. In the towns of Sahnaya and Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, 15 additional deaths were confirmed, including five field executions.

Among those executed were Mayor Hossam Warwar of Ashrafiyat Sahnaya and his son Haidar. Warwar had earlier appeared in a state television broadcast welcoming General Security Forces into the area. He was killed after security units reportedly disarmed local Druze residents.

Abuse and Human Rights Violations

Eyewitnesses and local sources say that members of the security forces recorded their own misconduct. Videos reportedly show detainees being verbally abused, forcibly shaved, mocked, and humiliated. While some accounts suggest the situation is being exaggerated, ongoing violations and provocations have been confirmed.

According to reports, all five documented field executions occurred after government forces had taken control of the areas in question.

Druze Leadership Calls for Unity and Local Empowerment

In a related statement, the Druze religious leadership in Suweida reaffirmed their commitment to a united Syria, denouncing any form of partition or sectarian division.

“The blood of the martyrs compels us to remain united and firmly bonded within Syria,” the statement read. The leadership also called for empowering Suweida’s local police and judicial forces and reiterated that maintaining national security is the state’s responsibility.

Attempted Assassination and Further Attacks

Separately, local sources reported an assassination attempt against Leith al-Balous, a prominent figure in the Druze-led Men of Dignity (Rijal al-Karama) movement in Suweida.

Meanwhile, Syria TV said unknown gunmen attacked a Ministry of Defense outpost in the al-Quriyah desert, east of Deir Ezzor, during a dust storm, suggesting that instability may be spreading beyond the southern region.

The situation in southern Syria remains volatile as the government attempts to reassert control over rebellious regions while facing accusations of heavy-handedness and abuse. The disarmament deal in Jaramana may offer a temporary reprieve, but deep-seated grievances and sectarian divisions continue to fuel unrest. (PW)

Source: Al-Mayadeen