Druze militias are suspicious of Syria’s new leaders — and are ready to go to battle

By Jane Arraf

Three days after the killings in Latakia, as soon as a curfew was lifted, Druse leaders evacuated every student studying in universities on the coast – more than 1,200 of them. They arrived late into the night on the 10th March 2025 and were greeted by the Druze Military Council at border checkpoints.

The new leadership vowed to disband all militias. But the fiercely independent Druze have made no agreement, and say they’re gathering fighters and making plans to repel government forces if needed.

(Image credit: Emily Garthwaite for NPR)

Source:: https://www.npr.org/2025/04/09/g-s1-58707/syria-druze-militias

Updated: April 9, 2025 at 2:16 pm