US envoy criticizes Druze leader

The United States has a dedicated envoy for Syrian affairs. On Friday, that official launched a pointed critique at a religious authority in the south.

Tom Barrack, who serves as the US ambassador to Turkey, spoke in an interview with Mario Nawfal. The conversation aired on the social media platform X. Barrack did not name the specific sheikh during the discussion. He accused the figure of using the idea of Israeli and American support to attack other Druze members.

The comments land during a tense period for Hikmat al-Hijri. This spiritual leader in Sweida opposes the government in Damascus. Al-Hijri has publicly called for Israeli aid. He also pushes for full independence for the Jabal Bashan region. Barrack stated that his issue is with this specific leader, not the state of Israel. He called the claim of explicit Washington backing for the sheikh absolutely wrong.

Tensions rose earlier this month when al-Hijri supporters raised Israeli flags in Sweida. That rally marked the third anniversary of the attacks from October 7, 2023. The display signaled a shift in local sentiment. Barrack pointed to that event as evidence of the complex dynamics at play.

Barrack also tied the conflict to local economics. He suggested Druze armed groups fund their weapons through the captagon trade. He described the area between Sweida and Daraa as a major hub for manufacturing the drug. He compared the production to making methamphetamine. According to him, this revenue allows the groups to arm themselves effectively.

The Bashan administration, linked to al-Hijri, reacted with strong anger. They issued a statement condemning the envoy’s words. The group denied that Jabal Bashan is a center for drug production. They argued their community has fought smuggling networks for years. They cited the sacrifice of young men in that struggle.

Al-Hijri declared the move toward self-determination irreversible in May 2026. He seeks an administration distinct from Damascus. This push has increased scrutiny on the region’s politics. Barrack noted that Druze communities in the Golan have paid a high price fighting alongside Israeli forces. Israel has framed its strikes in southern Syria as protection for the Druze, including attacks in Sweida in July 2025.