Rif Dimashq clashes (April 2025–present)

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Rif Dimashq clashes

Part of the Syrian civil war
| Date| 28 April 2025 – present

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Location|

Jaramana, Sahnaya, and Ashrafiyat Sahnaya in Rif Dimashq Governorate, and villages in Suwayda Governorate, Syria

Status|  Ongoing
Belligerents
Syria|  Druze armed groups
Men of Dignity[1]

* * *

Israel[2]
Commanders and leaders
Ahmed al-Sharaa
Hossam al-Tahan[3]|  Wajdi al-Hajj Ali †[4]
Casualties and losses
30 killed[a][5]|  18 Druze armed fighters killed[b][5]
26 Druze civilians killed[c][5]

* v
* t
* e

Syrian civil war

Timeline

* Background and causes
* Casualties
* Cities
* Terrorism
* Massacres

* v
* t
* e

Civil uprising in Syria (March–August 2011)

* Daraa
* Baniyas
* Homs (May–August 2011)
* Talkalakh
* Rastan and Talbiseh
* 1st Jisr ash-Shughur
* 1st Jabal al-Zawiya
* Hama
* Latakia

* v
* t
* e

Start of insurgency (Sept. 2011 – April 2012)

* Homs (2011–14)
* 1st Homs offensive
* 1st Idlib Gov.
* Syrian–Turkish border
* Jabal al-Zawiya
* 1st Idlib City
* Saraqib
* 1st Rastan
* Hama Gov.
* Shayrat & Tiyas ambush
* Daraa Gov.
* 1st Rif Dimashq
* 1st Zabadani
* Douma
* Deir ez-Zor (2011–2014)
* Hatla
* Aleppo Gov.
* Azaz
* 2nd Rastan
* 1st al-Qusayr
* 2nd Idlib Gov.
* Taftanaz

* v
* t
* e

UN ceasefire; Rebel advances (May 2012 – Dec. 2013)

* 3rd Rastan
* Houla
* 1st Northern Homs
* Al-Haffah
* Al-Qubeir
* Al-Tremseh
* 3rd Idlib Gov.
* 1st Damascus
* Bombing
* 1st Aleppo city
* Anadan
* Menagh Air Base
* Base 46
* Khan al-Assal
* 1st Aleppo offensive
* 2nd Aleppo offensive
* Syrian Kurdistan and Kurdish–Islamist conflict
* Hasaka campaign
* Ras al-Ayn
* al-Yaarubiyah
* Tell Hamis and Tell Brak
* Tell Abyad
* Nubl & Al-Zahraa
* 2nd Rif Dimashq (1st Darayya)
* Abu al-Duhur Airbase
* Quneitra Gov.
* 3rd Rif Dimashq
* 1st Yarmouk camp
* 2nd Darayya
* Darayya & Muadamiyat
* Aqrab
* 1st Hama offensive
* Halfaya
* 1st Safira
* Shadadeh
* 2nd Damascus
* 1st Raqqa campaign (1st Raqqa)
* 1st Daraa offensive
* 4th Rif Dimashq
* Jdaidet al-Fadl
* Tadamon
* Ghouta
* 2nd al-Qusayr
* 3rd al-Qusayr
* Eastern Ghouta
* 2nd Hama offensive
* Bayda and Baniyas
* 1st Latakia offensive
* Ma'loula
* Sadad
* 5th Rif Dimashq
* 1st Qalamoun
* Adra

* v
* t
* e

Rise of ISIS in 2014

* Inter-rebel conflict
* Northern Aleppo
* Markada
* 1st Deir ez-Zor offensive
* al-Otaiba ambush
* Maan
* Hosn
* Morek
* 2nd Daraa offensive
* 2nd Latakia offensive
* 4th Idlib Gov.
* Al-Malihah
* 2nd Wadi Deif
* 2nd Qalamoun
* Arsal
* Deir ez-Zor (2014–2017)
* 1st Shaer gas field
* 1st Eastern Syria
* Tabqa Airbase
* 3rd Hama offensive
* 6th Rif Dimashq
* 1st Quneitra
* 1st Kobanî

* v
* t
* e

U.S.-led intervention, Rebel and ISIL advances (Sept. 2014 – Sept. 2015)

* U.S.-led intervention
* Homs school bombing
* 3rd Daraa offensive
* 2nd Safira
* 2014 Idlib city raid
* Nusra–FSA conflict
* 2nd Shaer gas field
* 1st Al-Shaykh Maskin
* 2nd Deir ez-Zor offensive
* 3rd Aleppo offensive
* An-26 crash
* 4th Daraa offensive
* Southern Syria
* Eastern al-Hasakah offensive
* 1st Sarrin
* Hama/Homs offensive
* Bosra
* 5th Idlib Gov
* 2nd Idlib city
* Al-Fu'ah-Kafriya
* Nasib
* 2nd Yarmouk camp
* 1st Northwestern Syria
* 3rd Qalamoun
* 1st Palmyra
* Western al-Hasakah offensive
* 1st Al-Hasakah city
* Tell Abyad
* Daraa/As-Suwayda
* 2nd Quneitra
* 2nd Sarrin
* 5th Daraa
* 2nd Al-Hasakah city
* 2nd Kobanî
* 4th Aleppo offensive
* 2nd Zabadani
* 2nd Palmyra
* Al-Ghab
* 1st al-Qaryatayn
* Douma market
* 7th Rif Dimashq
* Kuweires offensive

* v
* t
* e

Russian intervention (Sept. 2015 – March 2016)

* Russian intervention
* 3rd Quneitra
* 2nd Northwestern Syria
* 3rd Latakia offensive
* Su-24 shootdown
* 5th Aleppo offensive
* al-Hawl
* 2nd Homs offensive
* 6th Aleppo offensive
* 4th Hama offensive
* Tell Tamer
* Tishrin Dam
* 2nd Al-Shaykh Maskin
* al-Qamishli bombings
* Orontes River
* 3rd Deir ez-Zor offensive
* 1st Sayyidah Zaynab
* 7th Aleppo offensive
* 1st Ithriyah-Raqqa
* Al-Shaddadi
* Homs bombings
* 2nd Sayyidah Zaynab
* Khanasir
* 2nd Tel Abyad
* Al-Tanf
* 2nd Al-Qaryatayn
* 3rd Palmyra
* 2nd Maarat al-Nu'man

* v
* t
* e

Aleppo escalation and Euphrates Shield (March 2016 – February 2017)

* 8th Aleppo offensive
* 6th Daraa
* 9th–11th Aleppo offensives
* Al-Dumayr
* 1st East Ghouta inter-rebel conflict
* 1st Qamishli
* Aleppo bombings
* 8th Rif Dimashq
* 3rd Shaer gas field
* Northern Raqqa
* Jableh & Tartus
* Manbij
* Tokhar
* 2nd Ithriyah-Raqqa
* 9th Rif Dimashq
* 12th–14th Aleppo offensives
* 12th
* 13th
* 14th
* 4th Latakia offensive
* 1st Abu Kamal
* 3rd Qamishli
* Atmeh
* al-Rai
* 3rd Al-Hasakah City
* Operation Euphrates Shield
* Northern al-Bab
* Dabiq
* al-Bab
* 5th Hama offensive
* 1st Western al-Bab
* 1st Eastern Qalamoun
* September bombings
* 4th Quneitra
* Deir ez-Zor airstrike
* Aleppo aid convoy attack
* 15th Aleppo offensive
* Khan al-Shih
* 1st Idlib inter-rebel conflict
* 2nd Western al-Bab
* 16th Aleppo offensive
* 2nd Raqqa campaign
* 17th Aleppo offensive
* 4th Palmyra
* Wadi Barada
* 1st Syrian Desert
* Azaz bombings
* 5th Palmyra
* 4th Deir ez-Zor offensive
* 18th Aleppo offensive
* 2nd Idlib inter-rebel conflict
* 7th Daraa
* Qaboun
* 8th Daraa

* v
* t
* e

Collapse of the Islamic State in Syria (Feb. – Nov. 2017)

* Eastern Homs offensive
* al-Jina mosque
* 6th Hama offensive
* Tabqa
* Khan Shaykhun
* US Shayrat strike
* Aleppo bus bombing
* April 2017 Turkish airstrikes
* 2nd East Ghouta inter-rebel conflict
* 2nd Syrian Desert
* Maskanah
* East Hama
* 2nd Raqqa
* 9th Daraa
* Southern Raqqa
* Iranian Deir ez-Zor strike
* Ja'din
* Jobar
* 5th Quneitra
* Central Syria
* 3rd Idlib inter-rebel conflict
* 4th Qalamoun
* Deir ez-Zor (2017–2019)
* 2nd Eastern Syria
* Deir ez-Zor city
* Euphrates Crossing
* Mayadin
* 2nd Abu Kamal
* 7th Hama offensive

* v
* t
* e

Rebels in retreat and Operation Olive Branch
(Nov. 2017 – Sep. 2018)

* 3rd Northwestern Syria
* Eastern Syria insurgency
* Atarib
* Harasta
* Beit Jinn
* 3rd Syrian Desert
* 5th Deir ez-Zor offensive
* 1st Southern Damascus
* Olive Branch
* Afrin
* SDF insurgency
* Khasham
* Feb 2018 Israel–Syria incident
* 10th Rif Dimashq (Douma)
* 4th Idlib inter-rebel conflict
* 2nd Southern Damascus
* U.S.-led missile strikes
* 2nd Northern Homs
* 2nd Eastern Qalamoun
* 3rd Southern Damascus
* Deir ez-Zor SAA-SDF clashes
* House of Cards
* 1st As-Suwayda
* 2nd Southern Syria
* 2nd As-Suwayda
* 3rd As-Suwayda
* 2nd Qamishli

* v
* t
* e

Idlib demilitarization
(Sep. 2018 – April 2019)

* Idlib demilitarization
* 5th Idlib inter-rebel conflict
* 1st Israeli missile strikes
* 2nd Iranian strike
* Northern border clashes
* Daraa insurgency
* Manbij bombing
* Baghuz Fawqani
* U.S. airstrike

* v
* t
* e

First Idlib offensive, Operation Peace Spring, & Second Idlib offensive (April 2019 – March 2020)

* 4th Northwestern
* Tell Rifaat
* Raqqa & Azaz
* Hass
* 2nd Israeli missile strikes
* Peace Spring (2nd Ras al-Ayn)
* Kayla Mueller
* Northern bombings
* 3rd Israeli missile strikes
* Qah
* 5th Northwestern
* Balyun
* Spring Shield
* 2nd U.S. missile strikes
* 10th Daraa

* v
* t
* e

Idlib ceasefire (March 2020 – Nov. 2024)

* 6th Idlib inter-rebel conflict
* Ayn Issa
* Qamishli & Al-Hasakah
* 4th Israeli missile strikes
* 3rd Qamishli
* 11th Daraa
* 7th Idlib inter-rebel conflict
* 3rd Al-Hasakah city
* 1st Aleppo inter-rebel conflict
* Jabal al-Bishrī
* 2nd Aleppo inter-rebel conflict
* Claw-Sword
* Northwestern clashes
* 3rd U.S. missile strikes
* 2nd Northern clashes
* Deir ez-Zor clashes
* 3rd Northern clashes
* Homs drone strike
* Israel–Hezbollah conflict (Iranian consulate airstrike)
* February 2024 airstrikes
* Anti-Turkish riots
* Masyaf raid

* v
* t
* e

Opposition offensives and Assad overthrown (Nov. – Dec. 2024)

* Opposition offensives
* 2nd Aleppo city
* Hospital strike
* 2024 Syrian coup d'etat attempt
* 8th Hama offensive
* 19th Aleppo offensive
* 6th Deir ez-Zor offensive
* 3rd Homs offensive
* 6th Palmyra
* 2nd Manbij
* Al-Mustariha strike
* 3rd Southern Syria
* 3rd Damascus
* Fall of the Assad regime

* v
* t
* e

Second Transitional government and SNA–SDF conflict (Dec. 2024 – present)

* Israeli invasion of Syria
* 3rd Kobani
* Hezbollah–Syria clashes
* 20th Aleppo offensive
* Western clashes
* March 2025 Western Syria clashes
* Massacres of Syrian Alawites
* 2025 Jaramana clashes
* March 2025 Daraa clashes
* March 2025 Lebanon–Syria border clashes
* 2025 Syrian coup d'etat attempt
* Rif Dimashq clashes (April 2025–present)

* v
* t
* e

Syrian War spillover and international incidents

* Lebanon spillover
* Lebanese–Syrian border
* Sidon
* Iranian embassy bombing
* North Lebanon clashes

* * *

* Syrian–Turkish border incidents
* Turkish F4 shootdown
* Reyhanlı bombings
* Turkish occupation of northern Syria
* Kurdish riots

* * *

* Jordanian–Syrian border incidents

* * *

* Israeli–Syrian ceasefire line
* February 2018 incident
* May 2018 incident

* * *

* Iraqi–Syrian border incidents
* Akashat
* al-Shabah
* Western Nineveh
* Western Iraq

* * *

* Spillover in Iran
* 2017 Tehran attacks
* 2017 Deir ez-Zor missile strike
* 2024 Iranian airstrikes in Syria

* * *

* Spillover in Turkey
* Russian Su-24 shootdown
* Andrei Karlov
* Balyun airstrikes
* Kafr Takharim airstrikes

* * *

* Iran–Saudi Arabia proxy conflict

* * *

* * *

* Spillover in Europe

* v
* t
* e

Foreign involvement in the Syrian civil war

Foreign intervention on behalf of Syrian Arab Republic

* Russian involvement
* 2015 intervention
* Iranian intervention
* 2017 missile strike
* 2012 Hezbollah involvement

Foreign intervention in behalf of Syrian rebels

* Foreign rebel fighters
* Turkish involvement
* Turkey–Islamic State conflict
* Tomb of Suleyman Shah relocation
* Euphrates Shield
* 2017 airstrikes
* Idlib Governorate operation
* Afrin operation
* 2019 Turkish offensive into north-eastern Syria
* Israel's role

U.S.-led intervention against ISIL

* US intervention
* Timeline
* List of attacks
* 2014 rescue operation
* May 2015 raid
* 2017 missile strikes
* Qatari involvement
* Jordanian intervention
* Operation Martyr Muath
* Lebanon's role
* Saudi involvement
* April 2018 missile strikes
* Dutch involvement
* German intervention
* French intervention
* Australian intervention
* UK intervention

The Rif Dimashq clashes began on 28 April 2025. The initial clashes erupted in the city of Jaramana following tensions related to the circulation of a controversial audio recording, and quickly escalated to nearby areas of Sahnaya and Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, and on 30 April to villages in Suwayda Governorate.

## Background

[edit]

See also: 2025 Jaramana clashes

Tensions began after the spread of an offensive audio recording allegedly containing blasphemous content against the Prophet Muhammad. The recording, which was widely attributed to a member of the Druze community, sparked public outrage across the country. The Religious Council of the Druze in Suwayda in swiftly condemned the recording and disavowed the individual, while the Syrian Ministry of Interior launched an official investigation, later confirming that the accused person was not responsible for the recording.[6]

## Clashes in Jaramana

[edit]

The first incident occurred at approximately 2:00 a.m. on 28 April 2025, when an unidentified group opened fire on a local militia checkpoint near the "Al-Naseem" intersection at the entrance of Jaramana. Gunfire continued and intensified around 4:00 a.m., leading to the deaths of at least two members of the security forces and six residents of the city. Over a dozen others were injured in the initial wave of violence.[6]

Local factions imposed heightened security measures, erecting checkpoints and restricting movement into and out of the city. A statement circulated on social media, attributed to the residents of Jaramana, condemned the violence and sectarian incitement, while urging official authorities to investigate and punish those responsible.[6]

## Clashes in Sahnaya and Ashrafiyat Sahnaya

[edit]

On 29 April 2025, clashes expanded to the Druze-majority towns of Sahnaya and Ashrafiyat Sahnaya. Armed groups attacked multiple security checkpoints using light weapons and RPGs.[7]

## Israeli strikes

[edit]

Israeli Druze in northern Israel staged protests to force an Israeli military intervention in Syria, in order to protect the Druze community living there.[8]

Amidst the unrest, Israeli media reported limited drone strikes targeting alleged armed elements in Sahnaya, purportedly as a warning measure. These strikes reportedly targeted a group allegedly preparing attacks against the Druze community. No casualties were reported by Israeli sources.[9]

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, alongside Defence Minister Israel Katz, stated in a joint announcement that the airstrike in Sahnaya as a "warning operation". They stated that the strike was intended to send a clear message to the Syrian government, asserting that Israel expects it to take action to protect the Druze community.[2]

A second Israeli strike, which utilized an Elbit Hermes 450 UAV,[10] killed a member of the Syrian security forces and injured others.[11]

## De-escalation efforts

[edit]

The Grand Mufti of Syria, Sheikh Osama al-Rifai, issued a statement on 30 April warning against the dangers of internal strife, in response to the events. Al-Rifai urged Syrians to reject calls for revenge and sectarian incitement, emphasizing that "fitna (discord) is easy to start but its consequences are unknown". He stressed that the blood of all Syrians is sacred and that even a single drop should not be spilled. Al-Rifai cautioned against heeding voices that seek to ignite conflict, describing them as "the voice of Satan" and calling instead for restraint and the preservation of national unity.[12][13]

Walid Jumblatt, a Lebanese Druze prominent politician, said on 30 April that he was conducting intensive contacts as part of his efforts to achieve a ceasefire.[14]

A delegation of Druze sheikhs and dignitaries from Suwayda Governorate arrived to the Ashrafiyat Sahnaya area on 30 April, the group included the Governor of Suwayda as well as the two spiritual leaders of the Druze community, Hammoud al-Hinnawi and Yousef Jarbou. The delegation convened a meeting to achieve de-escalation.[15]

## Agreement and government response

[edit]

A meeting between government officials and Druze representatives on 29 April resulted in an agreement to de-escalate the situation, hold the attackers accountable, and counter sectarian mobilization.[16]

On the evening of 30 April, Syrian media reported that the Governors of Rif Dimashq, Suwayda, and Quneitra, along with a number of dignitaries and social figures, had reached an initial agreement stipulating a ceasefire in Jaramana and Ashrafiyat Sahnaya.[17]

## Clashes in Suwayda

[edit]

On the evening on 30 April, unidentified armed groups attacked Druze-majority villages of Ira, Rasas, and Al-Soura Al-Kabira, and shelled Kanaker in Suwayda Governorate and clashed with local Druze armed groups. Syrian government forces were soon after deployed to the area to restore stability.[18][19]

## See also

[edit]

* Israeli invasion of Syria (2024–present)
* Western Syria clashes (December 2024–present)
* Western Syria clashes (March 2025–present)
* 2025 massacres of Syrian Alawites

## References

[edit]

1. ^ Muhammad, Malin (30 April 2025). "Clashes continue in Damascus suburbs amid widening security tensions". North Press Agency. Archived from the original on 30 April 2025. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
2. ^ a b "Israel launches air strike in Syria as sectarian clashes erupt". Financial Times. 30 April 2025. Archived from the original on 30 April 2025. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
3. ^ "Post by AlekhbariahSY". X (formerly Twitter). Retrieved 30 April 2025.
4. ^ "Clashes in Damascus countryside leave 18 dead". Hawar News Agency. 30 April 2025. Archived from the original on 30 April 2025. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
5. ^ a b c "عقب التوتر الطائفي في ريف دمشق والسويداء.. ارتفاع حصيلة قتلى المواجهات إلى 74 شخصاً في أقل من 48 ساعة" [After sectarian tensions in Rif Dimashq and Suwayda: death toll from clashes rises to 74 in less than 48 hours]. Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (in Arabic). 1 May 2025. Retrieved 1 May 2025.
6. ^ a b c "8 قتلى و12 مصابا في اشتباكات جرمانا بدمشق" [8 killed and 12 injured in Jaramana clashes in Damascus]. Al Jazeera (in Arabic). 29 April 2025. Archived from the original on 30 April 2025. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
7. ^ "سوريا.. مقتل 11 شخصا إثر الاشتباكات الدائرة في صحنايا" [Syria: 11 killed in ongoing clashes in Sahnaya]. Sky News Arabia (in Arabic). 30 April 2025. Archived from the original on 30 April 2025. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
8. ^ "Dozens of Druze in northern Israel demonstrate against Islamist violence in Syria". The Jerusalem Post. 30 April 2025. Archived from the original on 30 April 2025. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
9. ^ "إسرائيل تقصف "مجموعة متطرفة" تستعدّ لشنّ هجوم ضدّ الدروز في صحنايا: "رسالة حازمة"" [Israel bombs “extremist group” preparing to attack Druze in Sahnaya: “A firm message”]. An-Nahar (in Arabic). 30 April 2025. Archived from the original on 30 April 2025. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
10. ^ Berman, Lazar; Freiberg, Nava; Fabian, Emanuel (30 April 2025). "Israel carries out 'warning strike' in Syria in defense of Druze minority". The Times of Israel. Archived from the original on 1 May 2025. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
11. ^ Roj, Kardo (30 April 2025). "Israeli Drone Strike Kills Syrian Security Officer Amid Tensions near Damascus". North Press Agency. Archived from the original on 30 April 2025. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
12. ^ "أحداث صحنايا .. كلمة لمفتي سوريا الشيخ أسامة الرفاعي .. فيديو" [Sahnaya events: Statement by Syrian Grand Mufti Sheikh Osama al-Rifai – Video]. Assawsana (in Arabic). 30 April 2025. Archived from the original on 30 April 2025. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
13. ^ "مفتي سوريا يُعلّق على أحداث جرمانا: كلّ دم سوري محرم" [Grand Mufti of Syria comments on Jaramana events: All Syrian blood is sacred]. Al Mashhad (in Arabic). 30 April 2025. Archived from the original on 30 April 2025. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
14. ^ "جنبلاط يجري اتصالات لاحتواء أحداث أشرفية صحنايا بسوريا" [Jumblatt holds talks to contain events in Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, Syria]. Yeni Şafak (in Arabic). 30 April 2025. Archived from the original on 30 April 2025. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
15. ^ "تطورات أشرفية صحنايا.. الأمن العام يعلن بسط السيطرة ووفد من السويداء يصل المنطقة" [Developments in Ashrafiyat Sahnaya: General Security announces control, delegation from Suwayda arrives in the area]. Syria TV (in Arabic). 30 April 2025. Archived from the original on 30 April 2025. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
16. ^ "Agreement between government and elders of Jaramana to end escalation". Enab Baladi. 29 April 2025. Archived from the original on 30 April 2025. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
17. ^ "التوصل إلى اتفاق مبدئي يقضي بوقف إطلاق النار في جرمانا وأشرفية صحنايا" [Preliminary agreement reached to ceasefire in Jaramana and Ashrafiyat Sahnaya]. Syrian Arab News Agency (in Arabic). 30 April 2025. Archived from the original on 30 April 2025. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
18. ^ "هدوء حذر في السويداء بعد اشتباكات عنيفة وانتشار للجيش لضبط الأمن" [Calm returns to Suwayda after fierce clashes and army deployment to restore security]. Syria TV (in Arabic). 1 May 2025. Archived from the original on 1 May 2025. Retrieved 1 May 2025.
19. ^ "انتشار قوات الأمن العام في بلدة الصورة الكبرى بريف السويداء لتعزيز الأمن والاستقرار" [Deployment of Public Security Forces in al-Surah al-Kubra, rural Suwayda, to enhance security and stability]. Syrian Arab News Agency (in Arabic). 1 May 2025. Archived from the original on 1 May 2025. Retrieved 1 May 2025.

## Notes

[edit]

1. ^
* 20 from security forces in Ashrafiyat Sahnaya
* 10 from groups affiliated with the Ministry of Defense in Jaramana
2. ^
* 7 in Ashrafiyat Sahnaya
* 7 in Jaramana
* 4 in Al-Sour village, Suwayda Governorate
3. ^
* 3 in Sahnaya, two of them executed
* 23 on the Damascus-Suwayda motorway

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