At least 13 people were killed near Damascus

More than ten people were killed on Tuesday in the predominantly Druze town near Damascus, following clashes sparked by an alleged audio recording of a Druze cursing the Prophet Muhammad, prompting reactions from various groups in Syria.

The clashes began overnight, when armed men from the neighboring town of Maliha and other Sunni-majority areas headed toward the Druze-majority town of Jaramana, southeast of Damascus.

13 people were killed in clashes with small and medium caliber firearms, according to local rescue teams.

Among those killed were two members of the Syrian General Security Service, a new security force made up mainly of former rebels, according to Interior Ministry spokesman Mustafa al-Abdu.

The latter denied that gunmen had attacked the city, saying instead that groups of civilians angered by the audio recording had organized a protest that was met with fire from Druze groups.

The Interior Ministry said in a statement that it is investigating the origin of the recording and called for calm, urging citizens not to let emotions lead to violence or damage to public property.

Druze leaders met with security forces to stop further escalation, a Syrian security source said.

The nearly 14-year war in Syria has divided the country into different zones of influence, and the Druze - an Arab minority who follow a religion originally developed from Islam - have armed themselves to defend their cities.

The new leadership in Damascus has demanded the surrender of all weapons under its control, but the Druze have objected, claiming that Damascus has failed to guarantee their protection from hostile militants.

Community leaders have blamed the government for failing to prevent Tuesday's attack and have warned that it will be held responsible for any future consequences. /Telegraph/