Druze Leader In Al-Suwayda Demands Independence From Syria (Video)

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For the first time, the spiritual leader of the Druze community in the governorate of al-Suwayda Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri has openly demanded independence from Syria citing fear from the country’s new Islamist-led government.

In July, a government-led attack on al-Suwayda claimed the lives of 1,990 people, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Mass violations were reported during the attack. In fact, the death toll includes at least 765 Druze civilians who were executed by government troops and affiliated Beidouin fighters. In addition, at least 235 Druze women who were abducted during the attack are still missing.

Israel intervened in support of the Druze during the government-led attack, citing its historic relations with its own Druze community.

The intervention, which saw Israeli strikes hitting Damascus, allowed Druze factions to hold onto the city of al-Suwayda and much of the governorate’s eastern and southern countryside. The rest remains occupied by government forces, who are also imposing a siege on al-Suwayda.

In a video that surfaced online on August 30, Hijri states: “We are searching for what suits us as a society, so we can say this is what suits us. Today, with the youth gatherings and widespread mobilization taking place in the squares, and with the magnitude of the sacrifices made by our sons, we no longer have room to negotiate anything but independence… Independence is no longer an option up for discussion; it has become an absolute necessity.”

“The Druze community in Syria is demanding the independence of the southern region,” he added, noting that the goal of this is “to preserve safety and dignity,” and that the future entity “must be in harmony with major powers and open and civilized societies.”

Hajri went on to emphasize that he holds no animosity or vengeful tendencies toward any side, emphasizing that the declared demand is a “public opinion” that reflects the thinking of al-Suwayda youth.

“Every word I convey comes from young people who aspire to a better future. We are not advocates of revenge or conflicts of a religious or extremist nature. Rather, we aspire to partnerships with countries around the world, whether Arab or non-Arab,” the leader said.

Addressing the National Guard recently formed in al-Suwayda, Hajri described the formation as “the Druze unification military arm.” He also noted the presence of a “political and legal arm” represented by the governorate’s Legal Committee, emphasizing that these structures were prepared to address various future scenarios.

He concluded by emphasizing that the community is “committed to the agreements” and is not seeking temporary solutions, stressing again that its primary demand is “independence.”

Just two days earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stressed that his country will continue to support Druze in Syria, despite engaging in advanced talks with the country’s government on a security agreement.

“I understand who we are dealing with, what we are dealing with, and that is why we used force,” he says during a visit to the Druze town of Julis in northern Israel. “I told President Trump: we both believe in the same idea — it’s called peace through strength. First comes strength — then comes peace. That’s how it is, certainly in our region, but not only here. But first and foremost, in our region.”

The Syrian government, meanwhile, maintains the stance that al-Suwayda is controlled by “criminal gangs.” Promises to investigate the violations that took place during the attack on the government and hold those responsible accountable have so far led to nothing.

It is highly unlikely that the government will launch another attack in al-Suwayda as Druze seem determined to fight and Israel appears to be committed to protecting them. At the time, government forces will not likely withdraw from the governorate any time soon.

There is no denying that al-Suwayda has begun the process of separation from Syria. This process will, without a doubt, take time. However, as long as the current government is in place in its current Islamist form, the process will likely succeed.

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