At least 10 people killed in Syria following clashes in Damascus suburb

I categorically deny that the audio was made by me,

Kiwan said

Heavy clashes erupted in Jaramana after security forces and affiliated gunmen stormed” areas of the mostly Druze and Christian suburb of Jaramana

said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor

We strongly condemn any insult against

the Prophet Mohammed ... the statement said, calling the “fabricated” audio recording an attempt to “sow strife and division”.

We were trapped in our homes as the sound of intermittent gunfire continued. The children have not gone to school and the streets of our neighbourhood are empty this morning,

the resident added

Work is ongoing to identify” the individual behind the audio recording “in order to bring them to justice

the statement added

Jaramana has not witnessed a day like this in many years,

he added

There is genuine fear among citizens and city residents that the situation may slide into a dangerous spiral, repeating the grim experience of the coastal region,

said Rabee Mounzer, a local official from Jaramana

Why does this keep happening every now and then? It’s as if there’s no state or government in charge. They need to establish security checkpoints, especially in areas where they are tensions,

said Jaramana resident Abu Tarek Zaaour

We affirm our keenness to pursue those involved and hold them to account,

it said in a statement

We will not be lenient in bringing to justice anyone who contributes to sowing chaos and undermining security,

the ministry statement added

What was said by a few individuals against our Prophet represents only them and is rejected by us and all of society,

Druze religious leader Sheikh Yousef Jarbou said, calling on both communities to reject efforts to fuel sectarian divisions

The authorities are responsible for preserving security,

Rabei Munzir, a local Druze activist in Jaramana, told Reuters