Syria is in turmoil again: Druze revolt and declare they will not obey the new

Syria is in turmoil again: Druze revolt and declare they will not obey the new authorities

The Druze are a small but unique religious and ethnic group primarily residing in Lebanon, Syria, and Israel. In Israel, Druze serve in the military, while in Lebanon, they play a significant role in politics. Israel has justified its military presence in Syria, in part, by claiming to protect the Druze community.

In As-Suwayda, in the south of Syria, protesters removed the Syrian flag from a government building and raised the Druze flag in its place, while also driving out the provincial governor. They declared that they do not recognize the new authorities.

Meanwhile, in Latakia and along the coast, sleeper cells of supporters of the exiled dictator Bashar al-Assad have resurfaced and engaged in armed clashes with the Syrian army. The entire city of Jableh is engulfed in fierce street fighting and is on the verge of being captured by pro-Assad insurgents.