Tensions in Syria's Suwayda province

Security concerns have escalated in Syria’s Suwayda province following reports of potential military offensives by armed Druze factions against government forces. Syrian officials expressed fears that these groups intend to ‘regain control of Druze villages,’ posing a challenge to the administration of President Ahmed al-Sharaa. Damascus has accused Israel of providing intelligence and military support to these factions, including claims of aerial reconnaissance and weapon deliveries via helicopter.

Following these tensions, armed groups linked to the National Guard blocked the Damascus-Suwayda highway at the Umm al-Zaytun checkpoint, disrupting civilian movement and the transport of essential supplies. The blockade occurred amid friction involving Druze religious leader Sheikh Hikmat al-Hajri.

U.S. Envoy Tom Brak alleged that certain local leadership is exploiting the perception of Israeli support to ‘persecute other Druze’ and claimed Suwayda is being used for Captagon production to fund local activities. The Bashan Mountain administration, associated with al-Hajri, rejected these claims as ‘misleading lies’ and ‘baseless fabrications,’ instead accusing external forces of using narcotics to incite regional chaos.