US Envoy Says Druze Leader Is Misusing American Cover

The top American envoy for Syria is calling out a prominent Druze spiritual leader. Tom Barrack says the figure is leaning on the idea of American and Israeli support. The claim is that this support is being used to target others in the Druze community. Barrack made these remarks in an interview with commentator Mario Nawfal. It was published on X on Friday. Barrack is also the US ambassador to Turkey.

The envoy did not name a specific person in his comments. However, the remarks come amid rising tensions around Hikmat al-Hijri. He is a spiritual leader in Sweida. He opposes Damascus, has called for Israeli help, and wants full independence from the Syrian government. Barrack stressed his concern was not with the state of Israel. He said, "this is absolutely wrong" regarding claims that Washington backs such a leader. Earlier this month, al-Hijri's supporters waved Israeli flags at a rally in Sweida. The event marked the anniversary of the 7 October 2023 attacks.

Barrack also touched on how local armed groups are paid for. He said Druze groups in the province fund their weapons with the captagon trade. He called the area from Sweida to Daraa a global hub for making and selling the illicit drug. He compared its production to making methamphetamine. The Bashan administration, which is linked to al-Hijri, responded with anger. They denied that Jabal Bashan is a center for captagon production. They said their community has been on the front lines against smugglers. They noted the loss of young men in the fight to end the drug trade. The push for autonomy has grown since al-Hijri declared in May 2026 that the move toward self-determination is irreversible.

On the broader ties between Israel and the Druze, Barrack said the connection goes beyond politics. He pointed to Druze communities in the Golan Heights. He said they have paid a significant price as allies with Israeli Defense Forces soldiers. Israel has often called its military actions in southern Syria efforts to protect the Druze. This includes strikes against Syrian government forces in Sweida in July 2025. Barrack noted that Syria has shown restraint in response to Israeli incursions. He warned that aggressive retaliation could trigger a wider conflict. Damascus has been patient in allowing Israel to maintain what it sees as a buffer zone.

Looking ahead, Barrack is hopeful that Israel and Syria will reach an understanding. He said Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa does not want a fight with Israel. However, Barrack noted Israel is wary of Syria's new leader. He cited Sharaa's past as a fighter with the al-Nusra Front. He also cited foreign fighters in army units near the border. The two sides have held five rounds of border talks. They began in Paris in May 2024. Barrack is confident they will reach a final understanding. He said the parties have come close to an agreement before.