US Envoy Barrack Links Sweida Militia Armaments to Captagon Trade

US special envoy for Syria Tom Barrack stated that local Druze militias in southern Syria finance their weapons purchases through the captagon trade. Barrack, who also serves as the US ambassador to Turkey, made these remarks during an interview with commentator Mario Nawfal published on X on Friday. He described the region stretching from Sweida to Daraa as a global hub for the manufacture and sale of the illicit drug.

According to Barrack, the revenue from this trade enables Druze groups to arm themselves effectively. He compared the production volume in the area to the manufacturing of methamphetamine. The envoy noted that the economic underpinnings of these local factions are directly tied to the drug trade.

Barrack directed specific criticism at a prominent Druze spiritual leader, though he did not name him in the interview. The comments align with growing tensions surrounding Hikmat al-Hijri, a leader in Sweida who opposes Damascus and advocates for full independence. Barrack alleged that this sheikh exploits the perception of Israeli and American backing to target other members of the Druze community.

The envoy rejected the notion that Washington provides explicit support to the sheikh, calling such claims absolutely wrong. He clarified that his primary concern was the specific individual rather than the state of Israel. The friction between factions recently surfaced when supporters of al-Hijri raised Israeli flags during a rally in Sweida. That gathering marked the anniversary of the 7 October 2023 attacks.

In response to the accusations, the Bashan administration affiliated with al-Hijri issued a statement expressing anger and condemnation. The group denied that Jabal Bashan is a center for captagon production. They argued that the community has historically been on the front lines against smuggling networks and has paid a high personal cost, including the sacrifice of young men, to combat illicit drugs.

Al-Hijri declared in May 2026 that the move toward self-determination is irreversible. He emphasized the goal of establishing a fully independent administration for Jabal Bashan distinct from the government in Damascus. Barrack noted that Israel has framed its military interventions in southern Syria as efforts to protect the Druze. This includes strikes against Syrian government forces in Sweida in July 2025.

Barrack observed that Syria has exercised restraint in response to Israeli incursions. He warned that aggressive retaliation could trigger a wider conflict. The envoy suggested that Damascus has been patient in allowing Israel to maintain a perceived buffer zone. He pointed to the Druze communities in the Golan Heights and along the border, noting they have fought alongside Israeli Defense Forces soldiers.