Sectarian tensions flare at Holeb University as Druze students attacked

HOLEB, Syria — A wave of sectarian violence erupted at Aleppo University in Holeb (Aleppo), Syria, on Wednesday night, as Druze students were attacked by students belong to Islamist groups in what witnesses describe as an organized campaign of harassment and intimidation. 

According to images and reports from within the university dormitories, dozens of Sunni students and outsiders gathered near the residence halls, chanting sectarian slogans and searching for Druze students. The situation escalated to physical assaults and widespread panic, prompting a response from the university administration.

Druze and Christian students are currently being attacked by Islamists at Aleppo University.

Mind you, these are the most educated and modern members of Syrian Muslim society. Coexistence is impossible!

pic.twitter.com/03lUfSxg2w

— Dr. Maalouf ‏ (@realMaalouf) July 17, 2025

The President of Aleppo University condemned the violence, stating unequivocally, “We will never allow attacks on Druze students in the university dormitory.” Despite the declaration, students said that the Ministry of the Interior’s General Security appeared to act as a passive buffer between the aggressors and their targets, doing little to de-escalate the situation.

President of Aleppo University:

We will never allow attacks on Druze students in the university dormitory. pic.twitter.com/kW0fxWVswz

— Clash Report (@clashreport) July 18, 2025

The violence in Holeb followed a chilling online statement from students in the engineering department at Daramsuq (Damascus) University, who issued a jihadi-style message calling for the expulsion of Druze students from campus entirely.

Students in the engineering department at Damascus University issued a jihadi-style statement declaring that Druze students would be banned from campus. A very dark future awaits Syria and the entire region. pic.twitter.com/yhXmW4cQZL

— Dan Burmawi (@DanBurmawy) July 17, 2025

The events have sparked outrage among Syria’s many ethnic and religious minorities, who view the attacks as part of a growing campaign of intolerance and religious extremism. The broader implications could be severe, as universities have historically served as a rare space for inter-sectarian dialogue and coexistence amid Syria’s ongoing conflict. 

Tensions remain high as the university continues to investigate the incident, and community leaders call for accountability and immediate protection of all students, regardless of sect.