Damascus
The Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a firm statement on Wednesday, April 30, categorically rejecting what it called “illegitimate” demands for international protection in the country, asserting that Syria’s sovereignty is not subject to discussion or negotiation.
The ministry’s response came after a series of armed clashes broke out in several towns across the Damascus countryside, prompting renewed calls from opposition groups for international intervention. The ministry dismissed such appeals as unlawful, emphasising that the Transitional government remains committed to safeguarding all components of Syrian society, including the Druze community.
Hossam Tahan, Director of the Security Directorate in Damascus countryside, announced the conclusion of a security operation in the town of Ashrafieh Sahnaya. He confirmed to the state-run Syrian News Agency (SANA) that security forces had been deployed across the area to restore calm and ensure stability.
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The Damascus Countryside Security Directorate added that units from the Ministry of Defence had begun withdrawing from Ashrafieh Sahnaya following their role in securing the town. Authorities also reported coordinating with local community leaders to pursue and detain individuals classified as outlaws.
Tahan further noted that an Israeli airstrike targeting Ashrafieh Sahnaya had left fatalities among both security personnel and civilians. In addition, four civilians were killed and ten others wounded by sniper bullets before the arrival of security forces in the town.
Violent armed clashes erupted on Tuesday, April 29, and continued into Wednesday in the towns of Jaramana, Sahnaya, and Ashrafieh Sahnaya.
The unrest followed the circulation of an audio recording, allegedly insulting the Prophet Muhammad, attributed to Sheikh Marwan Kiwan from Suwayda Governorate. Kiwan later appeared in a video denying any connection to the recording.
In a separate statement, the Ministry of Interior addressed the situation, citing the spread of the inflammatory audio and subsequent hate speech on social media as the catalyst for unrest. According to the ministry, armed confrontations broke out in Jaramana between gunmen from within the city and others from outside, resulting in multiple casualties, including among the security forces deployed in the area.
