Suweida: US envoy warns of rising violence and governance vacuum

Suweida Tom Barrack Druze community Syrian peace roadmap Atef Hunaidi

US Special Envoy to Syria Tom Barrack has expressed deep concern over escalating violence in the Druze-majority Suweida province. Barrack warned that a lack of state governance is allowing gangs to fill the power vacuum, leading to communal violence and lawlessness.

The tension follows the reported detention, alleged torture, and forced expulsion of prominent local figure Atef Hunaidi. Hunaidi, who recently criticized Druze leader Hikmat al-Hijri for remarks suggesting the community is an integral part of Israel, was reportedly forced to flee to Damascus after being targeted by militias affiliated with al-Hijri’s National Guard.

Barrack urged all parties to exercise restraint and return to the tripartite peace roadmap signed a year ago by the US, Syria, and Jordan. This agreement aims to reintegrate Suweida into Syria while ensuring full citizenship rights for the Druze population. Meanwhile, local security forces reported attacks on security points in Tal Hadid and the Walgha axis using mortars and heavy machine guns, as well as drone strikes targeting the village of Al-Mansoura.

Entities

Atef Hneidi · Atef Hunaidi · Hikmat al-Hajri · Hikmat al-Hijri · National Guard · Suwayda · Suweida · Tom Barack · Tom Barrack · United States

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 2 SOURCES] Armed groups targeted the village of Al-Mansoura with drones. www.albiladpress.com · sarabic.ae
[● 2 SOURCES] Outlaw groups targeted security points in Tal Hadid and the Walgha axis using mortars and heavy machine guns. www.albiladpress.com · sarabic.ae
[● 9 SOURCES] US envoy Tom Barrack warned that gangs are filling the governance void in Suweida. www.albiladpress.com · ch23.com · halabtodaytv.net · s.alwakeelnews.com · sarabic.ae · +4 more
[● 3 SOURCES] Atef Hunaidi arrived in Damascus after being expelled from Suweida. s.alwakeelnews.com · articles.thelocalreport.in · www.newarab.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Atef Hunaidi was forced to leave Suweida after being kidnapped from his home. s.alwakeelnews.com · articles.thelocalreport.in · www.newarab.com
[● 9 SOURCES] The US, Syria, and Jordan signed a tripartite peace roadmap for Suweida one year ago. www.albiladpress.com · ch23.com · halabtodaytv.net · s.alwakeelnews.com · sarabic.ae · +4 more
[○ 1 SOURCE] Militias affiliated with Hikmat al-Hijri detained and allegedly tortured Atef Hunaidi. www.newarab.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Druze leader Hikmat al-Hijri stated his community is an integral part of Israel. s.alwakeelnews.com · articles.thelocalreport.in · www.newarab.com