US Envoy Accuses Druze Leader of Using Israel Image to Divide Community
Tom Barrack claims 90 percent of Syria's captagon trade flows from Sweida, funding local militias.
By Fatou Kim ·
US special envoy for Syria Tom Barrack accused a prominent Druze spiritual leader in southern Syria of exploiting the perception of Israeli support to target other members of the community. Barrack, who also serves as the US ambassador to Turkey, made the remarks in an interview published on X on Friday.
The envoy stated that his criticism is directed at a specific sheikh rather than the state of Israel itself. Although he did not name the individual, the comments follow rising tensions surrounding Hikmat al-Hijri. Al-Hijri opposes Damascus authority and has called for full independence from the Syrian government.
Barrack rejected claims that the sheikh has explicit support from Washington, calling such notions absolutely wrong. The friction between factions became visible earlier this month when al-Hijri supporters raised Israeli flags during a rally in Sweida. The gathering marked the anniversary of the October 2023 attacks.
The envoy linked local armed groups to the economic engine of the region, suggesting Druze militias finance weapons through the captagon trade. He described the area from Sweida to Daraa as a global hub for manufacturing the drug, comparing its production to methamphetamine. According to Barrack, the revenue allows these groups to arm themselves effectively.
The Bashan administration, which is affiliated with al-Hijri, responded with a statement expressing anger and condemnation. The group denied that Jabal Bashan is a center for captagon production. They argued the community has historically fought smuggling networks and cited the sacrifice of young men in that struggle.
Political tensions have intensified since al-Hijri declared in May 2026 that the move toward self-determination is irreversible. He emphasized the goal of establishing a fully independent administration for Jabal Bashan, distinct from the government in Damascus. This push for autonomy has increased scrutiny on the region's internal politics.
Barrack noted that the relationship between Israel and the Druze involves more than political interference. He pointed to Druze communities in the Golan Heights and along the border, who have fought alongside Israeli Defense Forces soldiers. Israel has framed its military interventions in southern Syria as efforts to protect the Druze, including strikes in Sweida in July 2025.
The envoy observed that Syria has exercised restraint in response to Israeli incursions to prevent a wider conflict. He said President Ahmed al-Sharaa has indicated he does not desire a confrontation with Israel. However, Barrack acknowledged Israel's wariness of Syria's new leadership, citing Sharaa's past with the al-Nusra Front and the presence of foreign fighters near the border. The two nations have held five rounds of border talks since May 2024, and Barrack expressed confidence that they will reach a final understanding.
