In the Damascus suburb of Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, fear has gripped the Druze community following violent confrontations that killed over 100 individuals in sectarian clashes. When gunfire erupted outside her home, resident Lama al-Hassanieh sought refuge in her bathroom as fighters in military gear shouted threats aimed at Druze people. The violence erupted after a fabricated audio recording allegedly captured a Druze leader insulting the Prophet Muhammad, igniting outrage and brutal attacks from Sunni extremist groups.
Historically, the Druze have maintained a tenuous loyalty to the Syrian state under Bashar al-Assad, hoping to protect themselves from violence that plagued other communities during the civil war. However, with the rise of Sunni Islamist-led forces, this delicate balance is fraying as recent assaults on Druze neighborhoods break out, heightening fears of systemic marginalization.
Witnessing firsthand the chaos as fighters overran her village, pharmacy student Lama Zahereddine recounts a harrowing experience of fleeing under gunfire, feeling abandoned and unprotected amid the sudden violence that overwhelmed her community.
Many in the Druze community feel increasingly isolated, fearing an impending transition toward a Sunni-dominated governance that offers little room for religious minorities. Some report facing hostility from peers, further eroding trust in society and government.
Hadi Abou Hassoun, a voluntary defender of Druze communities, suffered serious injuries during an ambush while trying to assist his community. His experience reflects the broader sentiment that the state is failing to provide the promised protection, with many expressing frustration over government inaction against aggressors.
While clashes have temporarily subsided, the sense of vulnerability persists, as shifts in community dynamics leave residents wary of their neighbors and skeptical of the government's assurances of unity and protection.
As the Druze navigate this complex landscape, they voice a desire for accountability and equal rights, striving to be seen as integral members of the Syrian populace rather than as a marginalized minority. Trust in the government remains fragile, with calls for justice and security growing louder among the community. The path forward remains uncertain, marked by fears of recurring violence and social fragmentation.
Historically, the Druze have maintained a tenuous loyalty to the Syrian state under Bashar al-Assad, hoping to protect themselves from violence that plagued other communities during the civil war. However, with the rise of Sunni Islamist-led forces, this delicate balance is fraying as recent assaults on Druze neighborhoods break out, heightening fears of systemic marginalization.
Witnessing firsthand the chaos as fighters overran her village, pharmacy student Lama Zahereddine recounts a harrowing experience of fleeing under gunfire, feeling abandoned and unprotected amid the sudden violence that overwhelmed her community.
Many in the Druze community feel increasingly isolated, fearing an impending transition toward a Sunni-dominated governance that offers little room for religious minorities. Some report facing hostility from peers, further eroding trust in society and government.
Hadi Abou Hassoun, a voluntary defender of Druze communities, suffered serious injuries during an ambush while trying to assist his community. His experience reflects the broader sentiment that the state is failing to provide the promised protection, with many expressing frustration over government inaction against aggressors.
While clashes have temporarily subsided, the sense of vulnerability persists, as shifts in community dynamics leave residents wary of their neighbors and skeptical of the government's assurances of unity and protection.
As the Druze navigate this complex landscape, they voice a desire for accountability and equal rights, striving to be seen as integral members of the Syrian populace rather than as a marginalized minority. Trust in the government remains fragile, with calls for justice and security growing louder among the community. The path forward remains uncertain, marked by fears of recurring violence and social fragmentation.
