US envoy criticizes Druze leader for leveraging perceived Israeli support in Syria

US special envoy for Syria Tom Barrack has leveled sharp criticism at a prominent Druze spiritual leader in southern Syria, alleging that the figure is exploiting the perception of Israeli backing and American alignment to target other members of the Druze community. Barrack, who also serves as the US ambassador to Turkey, made these remarks during an interview with commentator Mario Nawfal, which was published on the social media platform X on Friday.

The envoy clarified that his primary concern was not the state of Israel itself, but rather a specific Druze sheikh. Barrack stated that this leader utilizes the perception of support from Tel Aviv and Washington to persecute fellow Druze. Although he did not explicitly name the individual in the interview, the comments arrive amidst growing tensions surrounding Hikmat al-Hijri. Al-Hijri is a prominent spiritual leader in Sweida who opposes the authority of Damascus, has called for Israeli support, and has advocated for full independence from the Syrian government.

Barrack firmly rejected the notion that the sheikh has explicit support from Washington, describing such claims as absolutely wrong. The friction between these factions was highlighted earlier this month when supporters of al-Hijri raised Israeli flags during a rally in Sweida. The gathering marked the anniversary of the 7 October 2023 attacks, a symbolic gesture that underscored the complex dynamics within the region.

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

In response to these accusations, the Bashan administration, which is affiliated with al-Hijri, issued a statement expressing profound anger and unequivocal condemnation. The group denied that Jabal Bashan is a center for captagon production, arguing that the community has historically been on the front lines 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 the scourge of illicit drugs.

The political landscape in the region has been further complicated by al-Hijri's declaration in May 2026 that the move toward self-determination is irreversible. He emphasized the goal of establishing a fully independent administration for Jabal Bashan that is entirely distinct from the government in Damascus. This push for autonomy has intensified the scrutiny on the region's internal politics and its relationship with neighboring powers.

Regarding the broader relationship between Israel and the Druze, Barrack argued that the alignment goes beyond mere political interference. He pointed to the Druze communities in the Golan Heights and along the border, noting that they have paid a significant price as allies alongside Israeli Defense Forces soldiers. Israel has repeatedly 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, warning that any aggressive retaliation could trigger a wider conflict. He suggested that Damascus has been patient in allowing Israel to maintain what it perceives as a buffer zone, even as the Druze conduct themselves in ways that some view as inappropriate. This patience is seen as a strategic choice to prevent the fire from exploding into a larger war.

Looking ahead, the envoy expressed optimism that Israel and Syria will eventually reach an understanding, despite continuing mistrust and tensions along their shared border. 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 as a fighter with the al-Nusra Front and the presence of foreign fighters in army divisions deployed near the border.

The negotiations between the two nations are described as an ongoing process of building trust. Barrack highlighted that the two sides have already held five rounds of border and boundary talks, which began in Paris in May 2024. He expressed confidence in the trajectory of these discussions, stating that while the parties have come close to an agreement before, he believes they will reach a final understanding again.