Syrian forces deployed in Jaramana to end unrest

Syrian security forces have been deployed in Jaramana, a suburb of Damascus, to restore order. This follows a dispute at a checkpoint that resulted in the death of one Syrian security official and the injury of another, with the incident involving a militia group linked to the former regime of Bashar al-Assad. This deployment aims to address the security vacuum and prevent further escalation of violence in the area.

The deployment operation began late Sunday after local militiamen refused to hand over suspects involved in Friday's incident. According to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), Lieutenant Colonel Hussam al-Tahan stated, "Our forces have begun deploying in Jaramana after those suspected of assassinating Ministry of Defense employee Ahmed Al-Khatib refused to surrender." This decisive action underscores the government's commitment to upholding the law and ensuring accountability for criminal acts.

Al-Tahan added that the operation aims to dismantle illegal checkpoints operated by armed groups accused of kidnapping, murder, and armed robbery. Al Jazeera Arabic reported that the situation had begun to return to calm after negotiations between Interior Ministry forces and local leaders. These negotiations are crucial for achieving a lasting resolution and preventing future conflicts between the security forces and local factions.

Jaramana is a densely populated suburb primarily inhabited by Druze and Christian communities. Druze people mainly reside in Lebanon, Syria, and Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said on Saturday that it had ordered the Israeli army to "prepare to defend" the Druze in Jaramana. This statement reflects Israel's perceived responsibility towards Druze communities in the region.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Jaramana was "under attack by Syrian regime forces" and that Israel was "committed to doing everything to prevent harm to our Druze brothers in Syria." Israel occupies the Syrian Golan Heights, where a large Druze community resides, less than 100 kilometers (62 miles) from Jaramana. Katz's statement highlights Israel's security concerns and its potential involvement in the Syrian conflict.

Approximately 18,000 Druze in the Golan Heights have refused Israeli citizenship, while around 140,000 residing within Israel have accepted it. Israel has also launched airstrikes on parts of southern Syria and violated the demilitarized zone between the two countries. These actions have further complicated the regional dynamics and heightened tensions between Israel and Syria.

Jaramana leaders dismissed Israel's statements as interference. Jaramana resident Issa Abdul Haq (53) told Agence France-Presse, "Let Israel say what it wants. We are part of Syria." In November, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stated that Israel must utilize other minorities in the region, particularly the Kurdish and Druze communities, to advance its goals in the region. This statement underscores the complex interplay of ethnic and political interests in the region.

Lebanese Druze leader Walid Jumblatt, at a press conference in Beirut on Sunday, called on the Druze community in Syria to be "vigilant against Israeli plots in Syria." Jumblatt, the former leader of the Progressive Socialist Party, also warned of broader efforts to undermine the security of Arab nations and said he would visit Syria to discuss developments. Jumblatt's statement highlights the regional dimensions of the conflict and the concerns of neighboring countries.

Jumblatt stated, "I have requested a meeting with Syrian President Ahmed Shala next week." He expressed confidence in the Syrian Arab leaders from different backgrounds to counter what he described as Israel's "evil plans." This proposed meeting signifies an attempt to foster dialogue and collaboration among regional actors to address the ongoing crisis.

As the situation in Jaramana stabilizes, the incident highlights the fragile balance between local governance, regional tensions, and external influences in post-conflict Syria. The incident serves as a reminder of the complex challenges facing Syria as it seeks to rebuild and maintain stability in a region fraught with conflict and competing interests.