The recent violent clashes in Ashrafieh Sahnaya highlighted the vulnerability of the new Syrian leadership's hold on power. Armed groups had turned the town into a battleground, resulting in dozens of fatalities. In a bid to restore order, government officials proclaimed peace alongside local Druse leaders, ultimately leading to a significant agreement. In exchange for assurances from the government to investigate past abuses, local Druse militias decided to surrender their weapons and incorporate some fighters into the national military, signaling a new era of cooperation amid ongoing tensions.
We're all in one ship, said Jameel Mudawwar, the area's top official. If it sinks, God forbid, we'll all sink.
In exchange for government concessions, including promises to investigate abuses committed during the clashes, they agreed to surrender their weapons.
Syria's main Druse militias have resisted a push by the new Islamist government to be folded into the national military, fearing that acceding would endanger their people.
Government forces had retaken control from the armed groups that turned the town into a sectarian battlefield for two days this week, killing dozens.
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