Druze leader slams ‘genocidal campaign’ against community in Syria

Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, a Syrian Druze spiritual leader, condemned a “genocidal campaign” against the Druze community following deadly sectarian clashes that resulted in 101 deaths, including security forces and Druze fighters. The violence erupted after a controversial audio recording, leading to a truce in Jaramana and Sahnaya, but Hijri expressed distrust in the government, accusing it of using extremist militias. Meanwhile, Israel warned Syria to protect Druze communities, with foreign intervention calls being rejected by Syrian authorities, emphasizing national unity.