Germany Urges Calm in Syria as Sectarian Clashes Claim Over 100 Lives
The warning follows a new wave of violence that erupted in Al-Suwaidaa province, where armed clashes broke out between Druze gunmen and auxiliary forces affiliated with the Syrian Ministries of Defense and Interior.
By Ahora Qadi
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The German Foreign Ministry has voiced “deep concern” over the intensifying sectarian confrontations in Syria, urging restraint and stressing the need for civilian protection. In a statement released on Friday, Berlin warned that Syria must not be allowed to become a battlefield for regional tensions.
“Syria must not become a theater for regional tensions,” the statement read, calling on both domestic and foreign parties to show the “highest level of restraint.”
The remarks came just hours after Israel carried out airstrikes near the Syrian capital, Damascus.
Germany Calls for Political Inclusivity and Justice
Germany also addressed the broader political transformation in Syria following the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad in late 2024. Berlin called on the new administration in Syria to ensure inclusive governance and engage all segments of Syrian society in political dialogue.
“We call on the government to continue dialogue with all segments of the population to ensure full participation in the political process,” the statement said.
Berlin emphasized that Syria’s decades of dictatorship and war had left “deep scars” that could only be healed through a transparent national process and transitional justice mechanisms.
Deadly Clashes Erupt in Al-Suwaidaa Province
The warning follows a new wave of violence that erupted in Al-Suwaidaa province, where armed clashes broke out between Druze gunmen and auxiliary forces affiliated with the Syrian Ministries of Defense and Interior. The confrontations took place in the villages of Harran, Labin, and Jarin, following attacks by unknown forces using mortars and light-to-medium weapons.
Ambush and Executions Drive Death Toll Past 100
Earlier this week, at least 42 members of the Druze community were killed in Damascus–Al-Suwaidaa Province. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) later confirmed that the total death toll from related clashes, executions, and attacks had reached 109.
The fatalities include:
- 20 regime security personnel and 14 Druze fighters killed in Ashrafiyat Sahnaya,
- 10 auxiliary fighters and seven Druze gunmen slain in Jaramana,
- Five Druze gunmen killed in Al-Suwar village,
- One civilian killed by mortar fire in Sahnaya,
- Ten civilians—among them former Sahnaya mayor Hossam Warwar and his son
Local Meeting Attempts to De-Escalate the Situation
The clashes occurred shortly after a key meeting held in Al-Suwaidaa, during which local representatives agreed that internal security forces should be limited to members from the province.
The meeting also led to the lifting of a government-imposed siege on Jaramana, Sahnaya, and Ashrafiyat Sahnaya. Attendees further agreed on securing and reopening the Damascus–Al-Suwaidaa highway under the supervision of government security services, alongside calls for a comprehensive ceasefire in the area
Berlin Reaffirms Readiness to Support Peace Efforts
Concluding its statement, the German government reiterated its commitment to supporting efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace in Syria. “Germany is ready to assist this process,” the ministry said, stressing that sustainable reconciliation requires accountability, justice, and national inclusion.