Syrian Druze leader condemns government over sectarian violence

Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri has condemned recent violence near Damascus as a genocidal campaign against Druze minorities, claiming at least 101 people were killed. The conflict began after an audio clip of a Druze scholar went viral on social media, leading to the deaths of Sahnaya’s former mayor and 70 civilians, including 30 loyalists and 21 fighters. The Syrian government reached a deal with Druze dignitaries but ongoing tensions persist as foreign intervention remains firmly rejected by Damascus.