Tom Barrack alleges Druze leader uses perceived Israeli ties to target rivals

Tensions in southern Syria have escalated following sharp remarks by US special envoy Tom Barrack regarding the leadership of the Druze community. Barrack, who also holds the post of ambassador to Turkey, spoke during an interview with commentator Mario Nawfal published on X on Friday. He directed his criticism at a specific sheikh in the region rather than the state of Israel itself.

Barrack stated that this spiritual leader uses the perception of backing from Washington and Tel Aviv to persecute fellow Druze. Although he did not explicitly name the individual in the interview, his comments align with growing friction surrounding Hikmat al-Hijri. Al-Hijri is a prominent figure in Sweida who opposes Damascus authority and has advocated for full independence from the Syrian government.

The envoy rejected the idea that the sheikh has explicit American support, calling such claims absolutely wrong. This dispute became visible earlier this month when al-Hijri's supporters raised Israeli flags during a rally in Sweida. The gathering coincided with the anniversary of the 7 October 2023 attacks, a symbolic act that marked the complex dynamics within the region.

Barrack also pointed to the economic factors driving 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 the manufacture and sale of the illicit drug, comparing the production process to the making of methamphetamine. According to the envoy, this revenue enables the groups to arm themselves effectively.

In response, the Bashan administration, which is affiliated with al-Hijri, issued a statement expressing anger and condemnation. The group denied that Jabal Bashan is a center for captagon production. They argued that the community has historically been on the front lines against smuggling networks and has paid a high personal cost in that struggle, including the sacrifice of young men.

The political situation remains 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 distinct from the government in Damascus. Barrack noted that the Druze communities in the Golan Heights and along the border have paid a heavy price as allies alongside Israeli Defense Forces soldiers. Israel has framed its military interventions in southern Syria, including strikes in Sweida in July 2025, as efforts to protect these communities.

Barrack observed that Syria has exercised restraint in response to Israeli incursions, warning that 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. The envoy expressed optimism that Israel and Syria will eventually reach an understanding, noting that Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has made it clear he does not desire a confrontation. He cited the five rounds of border and boundary talks that began in Paris in May 2024, stating he believes the parties will reach a final understanding again.