Violent clashes broke out in Jaramana, a suburb near Damascus, between Syria’s new Turkish-backed administration security forces and local Druze militias on March 2.

The Druze in Syria are a small but influential religious minority. They are primarily concentrated in the southern province of Suwayda, with smaller communities in Damascus and the Golan Heights. The group adheres to an esoteric offshoot of Ismaili Shi'ite Islam that emerged in the 11th century, initially led by an Iranian mystic. The Druze maintain a distinct religious and social identity in both Syria and Israel, where they are mainly situated. However, they have become increasingly concerned about the makeup of the new Islamist-led government backed by Turkey. 

The fighting between Damascus forces and Druze resulted in one Druze casualty and nine injuries, as reported by The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR).

The conflict began on February 28 when an altercation at a security checkpoint led to the killing of one security officer and the injury of another. By March 1, the situation had worsened with broader clashes erupting, according to Syria’s state news agency (SANA).

Damascus Countryside Security Director Hossam Al-Tahan stated that members of the Ministry of Defence were stopped at a security checkpoint while entering Jaramana to visit relatives. After surrendering their weapons, they were reportedly attacked, and their vehicle came under direct gunfire.

Following the checkpoint incident, local gunmen attacked a police station in Jaramana, compelling security forces to withdraw. In response, authorities pledged to pursue those responsible and cautioned about the broader implications for Syria’s security and stability to ease tensions.

Local Druze elders released a statement disassociating themselves from "lawbreakers and offenders" and committed to handing over those involved in the violence.

Israeli Defence Minister Yisrael Katz warned that Israel would not hesitate to intervene militarily if Druze communities in Syria were threatened.

He stated that the Israeli army had been placed on high alert and that Israel was committed to protecting its Druze population, both domestically and across the border in Syria.

His remarks came amid growing tensions following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s previous declaration that Israel would not allow the new Syrian administration’s forces to deploy south of Damascus.

SOHR reported that mediation efforts by local leaders had led to a return to relative calm in Jaramana. Armed checkpoints controlled by local fighters remain inside the city, while internal security forces have taken positions on the outskirts to maintain order.

The city’s popular committees pledged to hand over the perpetrator and the victim’s body to the judicial authorities. Tensions persist as Maliha residents reject reconciliation and threaten retaliation, sparking fears of renewed violence.