US Envoy Blasts Druze Leader

US Special Envoy Tom Barrack has launched a sharp public attack against a prominent Druze spiritual leader in southern Syria. Barrack alleged that the figure is leveraging the perception of Israeli support and American alignment to target other members of the Druze community.

Speaking in an interview with commentator Mario Nawfal published on X on Friday, Barrack clarified that his criticism was directed at a specific sheikh rather than the state of Israel itself. He asserted that this leader uses the supposed backing from Tel Aviv and Washington to persecute fellow Druze. Although Barrack did not explicitly name the individual, his comments coincide with rising tensions surrounding Hikmat al-Hijri. Al-Hijri is a key spiritual figure in Sweida who opposes Damascus authority, has called for Israeli support, and advocates for full independence from the Syrian government.

The envoy firmly rejected claims that the sheikh has explicit support from Washington, labeling such notions as absolutely wrong. Friction between these 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 7 October 2023 attacks, a symbolic act that highlighted complex regional dynamics.

Barrack also addressed the economic drivers of local armed groups. He suggested that Druze factions in the province finance their weapons through the captagon trade. He described the area from Sweida to Daraa as a global hub for manufacturing and selling the illicit drug, comparing its production to methamphetamine. According to the envoy, this revenue enables the Druze to arm themselves effectively.

The Bashan administration, affiliated with al-Hijri, responded with profound anger and unequivocal condemnation. The group denied that Jabal Bashan is a center for captagon production, arguing that the community has historically fought against smuggling networks. They noted that the community has paid a high personal cost, including the sacrifice of young men, in the struggle to eradicate illicit drugs.

The political landscape remains complicated by al-Hijri's May 2026 declaration 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 intensified scrutiny on the region's internal politics and its relationships with neighboring powers.

Regarding broader relations, Barrack argued that the alignment between Israel and the Druze goes beyond political interference. He pointed to Druze communities in the Golan Heights and along the border, noting they have paid a significant price as allies alongside Israeli Defense Forces soldiers. Israel has framed its military interventions in southern Syria as efforts to protect the Druze, including strikes against Syrian government forces in Sweida in July 2025.

Barrack observed that Syria has exercised notable restraint in response to Israeli incursions. He warned that any aggressive retaliation could trigger a wider conflict. He suggested that Damascus has been patient in allowing Israel to maintain a perceived buffer zone, even as the Druze conduct themselves in ways some view as inappropriate. This patience is seen as a strategic choice to prevent a larger war.

Looking ahead, the envoy expressed optimism that Israel and Syria will eventually reach an understanding. He noted that Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has made it clear he does not desire a confrontation with Israel. However, Barrack acknowledged that Israel remains wary of Syria's new leadership, citing Sharaa's past with the al-Nusra Front and the presence of foreign fighters in army divisions near the border. The two sides have held five rounds of border talks since May 2024, and Barrack believes they will reach a final agreement.