Syria Diplomacy: US Envoy Accuses Druze Leader of Splitting Community

US special envoy for Syria Tom Barrack accused a prominent Druze spiritual leader in southern Syria of using the perception of Israeli and American support to target other members of the community. Barrack, who also serves as the US ambassador to Turkey, made the remarks during an interview with commentator Mario Nawfal, which was published on X on Friday. The envoy stated that his criticism was directed at a specific sheikh rather than the state of Israel itself.

Although Barrack did not name the individual, his comments align with growing tensions surrounding Hikmat al-Hijri. Al-Hijri is a leading figure in Sweida who opposes Damascus authority, has called for Israeli support, and advocates for full independence from the Syrian government. Barrack rejected the idea that Washington explicitly backs the sheikh, describing such claims as absolutely wrong. Earlier this month, al-Hijri’s supporters raised Israeli flags during a rally in Sweida to mark the anniversary of the 7 October 2023 attacks.

The envoy also linked local armed factions to the region’s illicit drug economy. Barrack suggested that Druze groups in the province finance their weapons through the captagon trade. He described the area between Sweida and Daraa as a global hub for manufacturing and selling the drug, comparing its production to methamphetamine manufacturing. According to Barrack, this revenue allows the Druze to arm themselves effectively.

The Bashan administration, which is affiliated with al-Hijri, responded to the accusations with anger and condemnation. In a statement, the group denied that Jabal Bashan is a center for captagon production. They argued that the community has historically fought on the front lines against smuggling networks and has paid a high personal cost, including the sacrifice of young men, to eradicate illicit drugs.

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 intensified scrutiny of the region’s internal politics and its relationship with neighboring powers. Barrack noted that Druze communities in the Golan Heights and along the border 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 restraint in response to these incursions. He warned that aggressive retaliation could trigger a wider conflict and suggested that Damascus has been patient in allowing Israel to maintain a perceived buffer zone.

Barrack expressed optimism that Israel and Syria will eventually reach an understanding. He noted that President Ahmed al-Sharaa has stated he does not desire a confrontation with Israel, though the envoy acknowledged that Israel remains wary of Syria's new leadership. Barrack cited Sharaa's past as a fighter with the al-Nusra Front and the presence of foreign fighters in army divisions near the border as factors in this caution.

Negotiations between the two nations are an ongoing process of building trust. Barrack highlighted that the two sides have held five rounds of border and boundary talks, which began in Paris in May 2024. He stated that while the parties have come close to an agreement before, he believes they will reach a final understanding again.