US Envoy Warns Syrian Druze Leader Over Exploiting Foreign Ties

A top American official has publicly rebuked a leading spiritual figure in southern Syria, alleging he is weaponizing the perception of outside support to settle scores within his own community. The sharp critique, delivered just days ago, underscores growing friction in a region where foreign allegiances and local autonomy are deeply entangled.

US special envoy for Syria Tom Barrack, who also serves as the American ambassador to Turkey, made the comments during a conversation with commentator Mario Nawfal published on the social media platform X on Friday. Barrack made clear that his criticism was not directed at Israel, but at a specific Druze leader.

While Barrack did not name the individual, his remarks coincide with heightened tensions surrounding Hikmat al-Hijri, a prominent spiritual leader in the city of Sweida. Al-Hijri has openly opposed the authority of Damascus, called for Israeli support, and advocated for full independence from the Syrian government.

The envoy firmly rejected any suggestion that Washington backs such efforts, calling claims of US support for the sheikh absolutely wrong. Barrack stated that the leader uses the perception of backing from Tel Aviv and Washington to persecute fellow Druze members. This dynamic came into focus earlier this month when supporters of al-Hijri raised Israeli flags at a rally in Sweida, an event marking the anniversary of the October 7, 2023 attacks.

Barrack also addressed the economic roots of local armed factions. He asserted that Druze groups in the province finance their weapons through the captagon trade. He described the area stretching from Sweida to Daraa as a global hub for producing and selling the illicit drug, comparing its manufacture to that of methamphetamine. The revenue generated by this trade, he said, enables these groups to arm themselves effectively.

The Bashan administration, affiliated with al-Hijri, responded with a statement expressing profound anger and condemnation. The group denied that Jabal Bashan is a center for captagon production, arguing the community has historically fought smuggling networks and paid a high personal cost, including the sacrifice of young men, to eradicate illicit drugs. This push for autonomy has intensified scrutiny on the region's internal politics and its relationship with neighboring powers.

Barrack also weighed in on the broader relationship between Israel and the Druze, stating the connection goes beyond political maneuvering. He pointed to Druze communities in the Golan Heights and along the border who have fought alongside Israeli Defense Forces. 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.

Regarding the wider regional picture, Barrack noted that Syria has shown restraint in response to Israeli actions. He warned that aggressive retaliation could trigger a wider conflict, suggesting Damascus has been patient in allowing Israel to maintain a perceived buffer zone. Looking ahead, he expressed optimism that Israel and Syria will eventually reach an understanding despite continuing mistrust. Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has stated he does not desire a confrontation with Israel, though Barrack acknowledged Israel remains wary of Syria's new leadership due to Sharaa's past as a fighter with the al-Nusra Front and the presence of foreign fighters in army units near the border.

The two sides are engaged in an ongoing process of building trust. Barrack highlighted that five rounds of border and boundary talks have already been held since they 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.