US Envoy Accuses Sweida Leader of Using Israel to Divide Druze
Tom Barrack claims a local sheikh exploits perceived foreign backing to target neighbors and fund weapons through drug trade.
By Pedro Barnes ·
The political landscape in southern Syria has shifted sharply after US Special Envoy Tom Barrack accused a prominent Druze leader of manipulating regional alliances. Barrack, who also serves as the US ambassador to Turkey, stated that this spiritual figure is leveraging the perception of Israeli and American support to pressure other members of the community. These remarks, shared during an interview on X this Friday, aim to clarify Washington's stance amid rising local tensions.
Barrack specified that his criticism targets a single sheikh rather than the state of Israel. He argued that this leader uses the belief of external backing to persecute fellow Druze. Although the envoy did not name the individual, the timing aligns with growing friction surrounding Hikmat al-Hijri. Al-Hijri, a key figure in Sweida, has long opposed Damascus's authority and called for full independence with Israeli support. Earlier this month, his supporters raised Israeli flags during a rally marking the anniversary of the October 2023 attacks, a move that highlighted the complex dynamics in the region.
The envoy firmly denied that Washington explicitly supports this sheikh, calling such claims incorrect. He also pointed to the economic factors driving local conflicts. Barrack suggested that Druze armed groups in the province finance their weapons through the captagon trade. He described the area from Sweida to Daraa as a major hub for manufacturing and selling the illicit drug, comparing its production to the methamphetamine industry. This revenue, he noted, allows these groups to arm themselves effectively.
In response, the Bashan administration affiliated with al-Hijri issued a statement expressing deep anger. The group rejected the idea that Jabal Bashan is a center for captagon production. They argued that the community has historically fought against smuggling networks and has paid a high cost, including the lives of young men, in the battle against illicit drugs.
The push for autonomy has intensified since May 2026, when al-Hijri declared that the move toward self-determination is irreversible. He aims to establish a fully independent administration for Jabal Bashan, distinct from the Syrian government. Barrack noted that Israel often frames its military actions in southern Syria as efforts to protect the Druze. This includes strikes against Syrian forces in Sweida in July 2025. He observed that the Druze communities in the Golan Heights and along the border have paid a significant price as allies alongside Israeli soldiers.
Barrack emphasized that Syria has shown notable restraint in response to Israeli incursions. He warned that aggressive retaliation could trigger a wider conflict. Damascus has been patient in allowing Israel to maintain a perceived buffer zone, even as internal Druze politics remain contentious. This patience is viewed as a strategic choice to prevent a larger war from breaking out.
Looking ahead, the envoy expressed confidence that Israel and Syria will eventually reach an understanding. He noted that President Ahmed al-Sharaa has made it clear he does not desire a confrontation, though Israel remains wary of his past with the al-Nusra Front. The two nations have already held five rounds of border talks since beginning in Paris in May 2024. Barrack believes these discussions are on a positive trajectory toward a final agreement.
