US Envoy Links Sweida Militia Armaments to Captagon Revenue
Tom Barrack claims the illicit drug trade funds Druze weapons and criticizes local leaders for exploiting perceived Israeli support.
By Tunde Adeyemi ·
US Special Envoy Tom Barrack stated on Friday that ninety percent of Syria's captagon trade originates in the Sweida province.
Barrack, who also serves as the US ambassador to Turkey, made the remarks in an interview with commentator Mario Nawfal published on the social media platform X.
The envoy described the corridor between Sweida and Daraa as a global hub for the manufacture and sale of the illicit stimulant.
He compared the local production of captagon to the manufacturing of methamphetamine and said the revenue allows Druze groups to finance their weapons.
Barrack directed criticism at a prominent Druze spiritual leader in Sweida who he believes exploits the perception of Israeli backing and American alignment.
Although Barrack did not explicitly name the individual, his comments arrive amidst growing tensions surrounding Hikmat al-Hijri.
Al-Hijri opposes the authority of Damascus and has called for Israeli support and full independence from the Syrian government.
Barrack rejected the notion that the sheikh has explicit support from Washington, describing such claims as absolutely wrong.
The friction between local factions became visible earlier this month when supporters of al-Hijri raised Israeli flags during a rally in Sweida.
The gathering marked the anniversary of the 7 October 2023 attacks, a symbolic gesture that underscored complex dynamics in the region.
In response to the accusations, the Bashan administration issued a statement expressing anger and condemnation.
The group, affiliated with al-Hijri, denied that Jabal Bashan is a center for captagon production and argued the community has historically fought smuggling networks on the front lines. They noted that young men have sacrificed their lives in the struggle to eradicate illicit drugs. Al-Hijri declared in May 2026 that the move toward self-determination is irreversible and aims to establish a fully independent administration distinct from the government in Damascus. Barrack argued that the alignment between Israel and the Druze goes beyond political interference. He pointed to Druze communities in the Golan Heights and along the border who have served alongside Israeli Defense Forces soldiers. Israel has framed its military interventions in southern Syria as efforts to protect the Druze, including strikes against Syrian government forces in Sweida in July 2025. Barrack observed that Syria has exercised restraint in response to Israeli incursions and warned that aggressive retaliation could trigger a wider conflict. He suggested Damascus has been patient in allowing Israel to maintain a perceived buffer zone. The envoy expressed optimism that Israel and Syria will eventually reach an understanding, noting that President Ahmed al-Sharaa has stated he does not desire a confrontation with Israel. Barrack acknowledged that Israel remains wary of Syria's new leadership, citing Sharaa's past as a fighter with the al-Nusra Front and the presence of foreign fighters in army divisions deployed near the border. The two nations have held five rounds of border and boundary talks that began in Paris in May 2024. Barrack stated that while the parties have come close to an agreement before, he believes they will reach a final understanding.
Source: Middle East Eye
