(2 May 2025)
RESTRICTION SUMMARY:
++MUTE STILL IMAGES++
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Damascus, Syria – 2 May 2025
++MUTE++
++NIGHT SHOTS++
1. A Druze gunman, left, speaks with Syrian security forces who reached a deal with Druze gunmen to deploy around the southern Damascus suburb of Jaramana that has witnessed fighting earlier this week
2. A Druze man, center, stands next to Syrian security forces who reached a deal with Druze gunmen to deploy
3. Syria’s security forces check their mobile phones at a checkpoint, after reaching a deal with Druze gunmen to deploy
4. Syria’s security forces stand on their vehicle, after reaching a deal with Druze gunmen to deploy
5. Syria’s security forces gather, after reaching a deal with Druze gunmen to deploy
6. Syrian security forces stand on their vehicle after reaching a deal with Druze gunmen to deploy
STORYLINE:
Israel’s air force struck near Syria’s presidential palace early Friday after warning Syrian authorities not to march toward villages inhabited by members of a minority sect in southern Syria.
The strike came after days of clashes between pro-Syrian government gunmen and fighters who belong to the Druze minority sect near the capital, Damascus. The clashes left dozens of people dead or wounded.
Photos from The Associated Press Friday showed a Druze gunman speaking with Syrian security forces who reached a deal with them to deploy around the southern Damascus suburb of Jaramana that has witnessed fighting earlier this week.
Security forces deployed inside the area along with local Druze gunmen, and at a later stage heavy weapons will be handed over to authorities. As part of the deal, forces from the defense ministry will deploy around Jaramana without going inside.
Friday’s strike was Israel’s second on Syria this week, and attacking an area close to the presidential palace appears to send a strong warning to Syria’s new leadership that is mostly made up of Islamist groups led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.
On Thursday, Syria’s Druze spiritual leader Sheikh Hikmat Al-Hijri harshly criticized Syria’s government for what he called an “unjustified genocidal attack” on the minority community.
Early Friday, the Druze religious leadership said the community is part of Syria and refuses to break away from the country, adding that the role of the state should be activated in the southern province of Sweida and authorities should be in control of the Sweida-Damascus highway.
“We confirm our commitment to a country that includes all Syrians, a nation that is free of strife,” the statement said.
===========================================================
Clients are reminded to adhere to all listed restrictions and to check the terms of their licence agreements. For further assistance, please contact the AP Archive on: Tel +44(0)2074827482 Email: info@aparchive.com.
Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AP_Archive
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/APArchives
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/APNews/
You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/youtube/f8a399d95bc24341bfa45a6aa0156ef5
Author: AP Archive
Go to Source
News post in May 7, 2025, 12:05 pm.
Visit Our Sponsor’s:
News Post In – News
