US Envoy Barrack Accuses Druze Leader of Using Israeli Image to Split Community

Tom Barrack, the United States special envoy for Syria and ambassador to Turkey, told commentator Mario Nawfal on Friday that a prominent Druze sheikh is using the perception of Israeli and American backing to target other members of his own community. Barrack made these remarks in an interview published on X, marking a sharp public critique of the spiritual leadership in southern Syria.

The envoy clarified that his criticism was directed at a specific individual rather than the state of Israel. He stated that this leader uses the image of Tel Aviv and Washington support to persecute fellow Druze. Although Barrack did not name the man directly, the comments align with growing tensions surrounding Hikmat al-Hijri. Al-Hijri is a spiritual leader in Sweida who opposes the central government in Damascus and has called for full independence for the region.

Barrack rejected the idea that Washington has formally endorsed the sheikh's position. He described claims of explicit American support as absolutely wrong. The friction between local factions became visible earlier this month when supporters of al-Hijri raised Israeli flags during a rally in Sweida. That gathering marked the third anniversary of the October 7, 2023 attacks.

The interview also addressed the financial sources for local armed groups. Barrack suggested that Druze militias in the province are purchasing weapons with revenue from the captagon trade. He characterized the area from Sweida to Daraa as a global hub for manufacturing and selling the illicit stimulant, comparing the production process to the creation of methamphetamine. According to the envoy, this drug money provides the cash needed to arm local fighters effectively.

The Bashan administration, a group affiliated with al-Hijri, responded with a statement expressing deep anger at the accusations. The group denied that the Jabal Bashan area is a center for captagon production. They argued that the community has historically fought smuggling networks and that young men have died in the effort to stop the flow of illicit drugs.

Al-Hijri declared in May 2026 that the push for self-determination is irreversible. He stated the goal is to establish an administration for Jabal Bashan that is completely separate from the government in Damascus. This declaration has increased scrutiny on the region's internal politics and its relations with neighboring powers.

Barrack pointed to the Druze communities in the Golan Heights and along the border, noting that they have served as allies alongside Israeli Defense Forces. He said Israel has framed its military actions in southern Syria as protection for these communities. This included strikes against Syrian government forces in Sweida in July 2025.

The envoy observed that Syria has shown restraint in response to Israeli incursions. He warned that aggressive retaliation could lead to a wider war. Barrack suggested Damascus has been patient in allowing Israel to maintain a perceived buffer zone, even as local Druze leaders act in ways some view as provocative.

Barrack expressed confidence that Israel and Syria will reach a final agreement despite current mistrust. He noted that Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa does not want a confrontation with Israel, though Israeli officials remain wary of al-Sharaa's past with the al-Nusra Front. The two sides have held five rounds of border talks since starting negotiations in Paris in May 2024.