Druze community armed groups begin handing over heavy weapons to Syrian Interior Ministry

DAMASCUS

Armed groups in Damascus began handing over heavy weapons to the Syrian Interior Ministry on Sunday, following an agreement reached between Druze community leaders and government officials.

The handover follows a clause in a May 1 agreement between Druze representatives and security forces, which is currently being implemented.

Transfers of heavy weapons have started in Damascus’ Cermana neighborhood, with similar efforts underway in Sahnaya and Ashrafiyat Sahnaya.

Muhammad Seyyid, deputy director of the Eastern Ghouta region, told Anadolu that the Interior Ministry is accepting the weapons in stages.

"Local leaders and religious figures in Cermana are actively supporting the process," he added.

Seyyid also confirmed that light weapons will be handed over in the coming days and that many people have registered to join the security forces.

He emphasized that only the Interior and Defense Ministries will have the authority to possess weapons in the future and expressing hope that the initiative would serve as an example for the rest of the country.