Druze Militias in Syria Agree to Surrender Heavy Weapons

In a significant development following intense clashes involving members of the Druze minority, pro-government militias, and state security forces in Syria, the Druze community in the southern region has announced plans to relinquish their heavy weaponry. This decision comes as a part of an agreement to establish a new military unit comprised of Druze fighters under the oversight of the Syrian Defense Ministry, aimed at ensuring regional security.

Recent confrontations have resulted in serious violence, with reports indicating that over 100 individuals have lost their lives since the onset of fighting earlier this week, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, based in the UK. The clashes, primarily between Sunni militias and armed Druze, have raised alarms regarding the safety and stability of minority communities in the area.

The United States has condemned the violence targeting the Druze minority, with a spokesperson from the U.S. State Department expressing that the recent hostilities and inflammatory rhetoric against Druze individuals are both reprehensible and unacceptable. The spokesperson urged the transitional authorities in Damascus to halt the fighting and hold those responsible accountable, while also ensuring the safety of all Syrian citizens.

Additionally, U.S. officials confirmed a recent meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Schaibani, discussing the urgent need for the transitional government to adopt policies conducive to stability. Any future normalization of relations or lifting of sanctions will be contingent upon the actions of the transitional government and their compliance with specific trust-building measures communicated by the U.S.

In response to the escalating tensions, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has issued a stern warning to the Syrian leadership, emphasizing that if attacks against the Druze community do not cease, Israel will respond decisively. The new Syrian administration has repeatedly asserted its commitment to safeguarding the rights of minority groups within its borders.

Since the ousting of long-time leader Bashar al-Assad in December by the Islamist HTS militia, transitional President Ahmed al-Scharaa has portrayed a moderate stance. However, reports of massacres in regions predominantly inhabited by Alawite community members raise serious concerns about the ongoing security situation.