Syria's Druze Caught in Struggle: Minority Navigating Tensions Between Islamic Regime and Israel
Title: The Elusive Druze Community Amidst Syria's Chaotic Landscape
A Clandestine Minority Amidst Millions
Hidden within the heart of Syria's chaos, a small yet significant religious community maintains an air of mystery: the Druze. Accounting for merely three percent of Syria's pre-war population of 23 million, the Druze number around 700,000 individuals.
These enigmatic believers primarily reside in the southern province of Sweida, with smaller pockets scattered around Damascus. The Druze are a monotheistic sect, often classified as Muslim, yet shrouded in secrecy, firmly closed to outsiders and converts alike.
Their closest allies, often adversaries, are Sunni Islamist groups that form the backbone of Syria's new government. These groups have roots in the Al-Qaeda jihadist network, viewing the Druze with suspicion.
Outside of Syria, you'll find around 150,000 Druze in Israel and the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights. The Israeli Druze are mostly citizens who serve in the military, while the majority of the roughly 23,000 in the annexed Golan Heights do not hold Israeli citizenship, still identifying as Syrians.
Approximately 200,000 Druze reside in Lebanon.
The Usurped Peace
During Syria's devastating civil war, which began in 2011 following Assad's brutal crackdown on pro-democracy protests, the Druze largely stayed neutral. The Druze concentrated their efforts on protecting their homeland from attacks, with few joining the Syrian armed forces.
Regionally, Sweida province experienced more than a year of anti-government protests before Assad's ouster. During the war, the Druze formed their own armed groups. Some of these groups are now negotiating integration into the new national army, mirroring similar moves by factions elsewhere.
Rayan Maarouf, chief editor of local news outlet Suwayda24, estimated that around 400 Druze fighters had joined the defense ministry's forces, with around 500 others joining the General Security agency.
The Post-Assad Era
Assad, a member of Syria's Alawite community, sought to present himself as a protector of all minority groups against the Islamist-led rebels. The new government consistently reassured minorities that they would be protected.
However, in recent months, sectarian massacres have plagued the Alawite heartland on the Mediterranean coast, and clashes near Damascus have resulted in several dozen deaths, primarily amongst Druze fighters.
Following these incidents, Israel has warned Syria's new leaders not to harm the Druze, suggesting a renewed focus on supporting their Druze co-religionists. Israel claims to have sent thousands of humanitarian aid packages to Syria's Druze community.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu admitted to conducting a strike near Damascus, citing the defense of the Druze minority. Israeli forces allegedly struck an extremist group preparing to attack the Druze population, delivering a stern message to the Syrian regime regarding the expected protection of the Druze community.
Israeli Armed Forces Chief, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, ordered the military to prepare for strikes against Syrian government targets if the Druze face further violence.
© 2025 AFP
Insights from Enrichment Data:
- The Druze Community: The Druze have managed to maintain their distinct identity throughout the region's tumultuous history. With a rich background dating back to 11th-century Ismailism, they are isolated and secretive, maintaining a separate culture in pockets of Syria, Israel, the Golan Heights, and Lebanon.
- Sectarian Tensions: Owing to their reclusive nature, recent attacks on the Druze by Sunni militant groups have escalated sectarian tensions. In response, the Druze have sought to maintain balance, rejecting Israeli warnings while expressing loyalty to Syria and its new leadership.
- Israel's Role: Israel has used its relationship with the Druze as a strategic advantage, swinging between offering support and liability. Israeli officials utilize the Druze's plight to justify military interventions in Syria, but this could risk exacerbating regional tensions and increase distrust towards Israel in the process.
- The Druze community, a monotheistic sect in Syria, has a population of around 700,000 individuals who primarily reside in the southern province of Sweida.
- Despite the chaos in Syria, the Druze have largely stayed neutral during the civil war, concentrating their efforts on protecting their homeland from attacks.
- Following sectarian massacres and clashes, Israel has warned Syria's new leaders not to harm the Druze and has claimed to have sent thousands of humanitarian aid packages to Syria's Druze community.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu admitted to conducting a strike near Damascus, citing the defense of the Druze minority, and Israeli Armed Forces Chief, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, ordered the military to prepare for strikes against Syrian government targets if the Druze face further violence.
