Latest news with #HikmatAlHijri
Al Arabiya
11-08-2025
- Politics
- Al Arabiya
Syria's new phase: Cracks in allied agendas and Russia's cautious return
Syria has entered a new phase. The 'honeymoon' that prevailed since the fall of the regime at the end of last year has ended. Many developments point to this, including: the 'unity conference' in Hasakah east of the Euphrates, the French–Turkish rivalry over the 'Kurdish file,' the Amman talks on the 'Druze file,' and the cautious return of the Russian role. It would not have been possible for the unity conference – hosted by the Autonomous Administration in northeastern Syria – to be held without French support and no American objection, since the military and special forces of both countries are present east of the Euphrates as part of the international coalition. The participation of Druze sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri and the head of the 'Alawite Council' Ghazal Ghazal, through recorded video statements in the conference, cannot be considered a mere coincidence; rather, it marks the beginning of forming an 'alliance of minorities' opposing the position of the government and the 'Sunni majority.' There is thus a push toward a decentralized system in Syria, which was evident in the final statement of the conference supporting the principle of decentralization, the drafting of a new constitution, and the formation of a new army in the country. This trend was reinforced by subsequent steps, as the three main Druze authorities took measures to unify their position: Sheikhs Hammoud al-Hanawi and Yusuf al-Jarbou issued a recorded statement echoing al-Hijri's positions, openly criticizing the government's conduct, calling for an international investigation, and commending the stances of several countries, including Israel. The additional step that followed the 'unity conference' was the start of Jordan and the US arranging a ministerial-level negotiation track in Amman between the government and Druze authorities, with the participation of officials from several countries. In reality, this track reflects a desire to create a regional process to replace the Paris international track in dealing with two complex issues: the Kurdish file and the Druze file. Paris had previously hosted Syrian–Israeli talks to discuss the future of the southern provinces bordering Jordan, where Tel Aviv presented a list of demands that included the withdrawal of all heavy and medium weapons from the south, allowing the establishment of local councils and autonomous administrations in the provinces of Sweida, Daraa, and Quneitra, under Israeli air cover. Paris had also hosted Syrian–American–French talks addressing the Kurdish file and implementing the agreement reached between President Ahmad al-Sharaa and the commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces, Mazloum Abdi, on March 10. All available information indicates that the message delivered by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan during his meeting with al-Sharaa in Damascus a few days ago aimed to freeze the Paris track. The 'unity conference' came to reinforce the desire to dismantle the French track, given that Ankara considers Paris 'biased toward the Kurds' while Paris sees Ankara as biased toward al-Sharaa's government. The result was that the Syrian government officially announced it was freezing negotiations with the Kurds in Paris. The French–Turkish rivalry over the Kurds and the Turkish–Israeli rivalry over the Druze file and southern arrangements are indicators of emerging cracks within the 'alliance of allies' of the Syrian government. The months of unified collective support by Arab, regional, and Western states for Damascus's position have ended, and a new phase has begun: the conflict between foreign agendas in Syria. Another development now further complicating the scene is the sign of a Russian return to Syria. The visits to Moscow by Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani, Defense Minister Marhaf Abu Qasra, and Intelligence Chief Hussein Salama – where they met President Vladimir Putin and other Russian officials – mark the beginnings of a new relationship between Damascus and Moscow. This involves key issues: resuming Russian arms supplies to Syria, joint management of the Hmeimim and Tartus bases, economic relations, Russian patrols in various areas of Syria, and the fate of Bashar al-Assad and senior regime officials currently in Moscow. It is most likely that Damascus, which had received 'unlimited Western support' over the past seven months, has begun to see a change in the tone, demands, and actions of Western countries following the events in the coastal region and Sweida, along with the continued Israeli strikes and incursions. It now seeks to reach out to Russia for specific objectives: creating an eastern counterbalance to the West, containing Israeli movements, ensuring stability in Syria's coastal region, and maintaining military balance on the ground by operating Qamishli Airport and conducting patrols in northeastern Syria. Turkey is unlikely to be far from this rapprochement between Moscow and the new Syria. Will the US and European countries allow Russia, already engaged in Ukraine, to return to Syria? Will Damascus accept decentralized administrations? Will coordination between the 'components' move from political to military? How will Damascus respond to the changing landscape, demands, and rhetoric? What will be the nature of the relationship between the militarily involved parties – the US, Turkey, Russia, and Israel?
Al Bawaba
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Al Bawaba
Druze leader denies involvement in revenge attacks as Israeli-backed militias seize control in Suwayda
Published July 17th, 2025 - 03:30 GMT In a video statement coinciding with a speech by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Al-Hijri emphasized the Druze community's commitment to coexistence and rejected collective blame. ALBAWABA- Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, the Israel-backed Druze spiritual leader in Suwayda, has publicly denied that his armed followers committed retaliatory acts against Bedouin tribes following the withdrawal of Syrian government forces from the governorate. Also Read Israel strikes near Damascus palace amid Druze protection pledge In a video statement coinciding with a speech by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Al-Hijri emphasized the Druze community's commitment to coexistence and rejected collective blame. ⚡️🇮🇱BREAKING: Israel's PM Netanyahu vows to never allow the militarization of Southern Syria:'I want to update you on what we have done in Syria—and what we will do in Syria. We established a clear policy: the demilitarization of the area south of Damascus—from the Golan to… — Suppressed News. (@SuppressedNws) July 17, 2025 'Despite the painful attacks our community has suffered, we continue to uphold the values of tolerance,' Al-Hijri stated. 'Anyone committing acts of sabotage or provocation represents no one but himself. We reject sectarianism and any call for fragmentation.' ⚡️🇸🇾JUST IN: Israel-backed Druze militias under Hikmat al-Hijri killed Bedouin civilians, including women and children, looted homes, and forced many to flee after the Syrian army withdrew from Suwaida. — Suppressed News. (@SuppressedNws) July 17, 2025 His remarks follow widespread reports and video footage circulating on social media that show members of Bedouin tribes fleeing Suwayda amid claims of targeted violence by armed Druze factions. These events come after Syrian forces pulled out of the region as part of a local ceasefire agreement reached in Yestrday between Suwayda community leaders and state officials. The deal granted local forces authority over internal security in the province. Following the withdrawal, Druze fighters aligned with Al-Hijri reportedly took control of key areas in Suwayda. They raised the Druze flag, bearing the Star of David, a symbol increasingly used by pro-Israel Druze militias, over the governorate building, declaring their rejection of any renewed Syrian military presence south of Damascus. According to local sources, initial reports indicate that armed militias affiliated with Hikmat al-Hijri have carried out field executions resulting in the deaths of approximately 100 Bedouin tribespeople, including women and children. As-Suwayda, SyriaThursday, July 17, 2025 On July 17, 2025, disturbing reports emerged from As-Suwayda, Syria, alleging that militias affiliated with Hikmat al-Hijri, a prominent Druze leader, committed severe human rights violations 👇#السويداء #HekmatAlHajriMilitiaMassacre — Roba Alhakiem (@RAlhakiem) July 17, 2025 'What the regime did was send troops to kill our Druze brothers,' Al-Hijri said in his speech. 'So I instructed our forces to retaliate. The ceasefire came through force, not through negotiations.' Israeli support for Al-Hijri's forces appears to have intensified in last few days. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have reportedly provided air cover for Druze militias, targeting Syrian military convoys and blocking reinforcements near and inside Suwayda. Over the last 48 hours, IDF airstrikes have hit Syrian armored vehicles and convoys, while also targeting the gate of the Syrian military headquarters in Damascus in what sources describe as a 'warning shot.' Also Read Israeli forces strike Syrian tanks amid clashes in Suwayda Analysts describe the conflict as a key test for Ahmad Al-Shara's leadership, as Syrian forces face mounting casualties and growing regional pressure. Military analysts suggest Israel may escalate its air campaign further, potentially targeting government institutions, military headquarters, and launching selective assassinations against key regime figures, while continuing to back proxy militias on the ground. Reports of Bedouin families fleeing Suwayda toward Daraa have raised alarms over what some are calling an emerging ethnic cleansing campaign, as retaliatory violence intensifies. Despite the denial from Al-Hijri, the situation on the ground continues to deteriorate, with the fragile ceasefire hanging by a thread, and Suwayda increasingly becoming the epicenter of a regional showdown between Syrian forces and Israeli-backed militias. © 2000 - 2025 Al Bawaba (
The National
15-07-2025
- Politics
- The National
Syrian forces enter Druze heartland of Sweida after deadly clashes
Syrian government forces and allied militias have entered the Druze minority's heartland of Sweida, in southern Syria, state media reported on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Israel has carried out more strikes on the area, following deadly clashes in the area between armed groups and local tribes. Thousands of troops and auxiliaries entered the city from the west and north after the Druze spiritual leadership, headed by Hikmat Al Hijri, announced that the province 'should be spared' further bloodshed, and that security forces should be let into the provincial capital to restore security and stability. The Syrian Defence Ministry said that 'Syrian Arab Army forces have started entering the city of Sweida'. But an hour after instructing Sweida residents to allow government forces into the city, Mr Al Hijri appeared in a video saying that the provincial capital continued to come under random shelling and that its people should 'make a stand for dignity'. Defence Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra was a commander in Hayat Tahrir Al Sham, an Al Qaeda splinter group that took power after leading the overthrow of former president Bashar Al Assad in December. Mr Al Hijri had labelled the HTS government as 'extremists', who he said were not interested in building a civil and pluralistic post-Assad state. A Druze political figure close to Mr Al Hijri said that the authorities have received a 'green light' from Thomas Barrack, the US envoy to Syria, to enter the city. Elsewhere, Mr Barrack has been pushing for an extension of government control over parts of east Syria which are under Kurdish-led forces. In the absence of international protection, the Druze have no option except to lay down their arms, the source said. 'This is Barrack's doing. We are being attacked by than 100,000 regime forces,' he said. Sweida is home to most of Syria's registered 800,000 Druze. But many have emigrated, particularly during the civil war, with an estimated 270,000 Druze still remaining in the city. The Druze, an offshoot of Islam, are also present in Jordan, Israel and Lebanon. In a failed attempt to ward off the government's advance, Israel launched air strikes on southern Syria on Monday after dozens of people were killed in the fightingbetween allies of the Syrian government and Druze fighters. Syria's Sana news agency on Tuesday reported an Israeli strike on the city. About 38 Druze were killed in clashes that started on Sunday. The Defence Ministry said 18 its troops were among the dead, while an estimated 30 government auxiliaries were also killed. Druze sources said pro-Syrian government militias on Sunday launched attacks on the city of Suweida from Sunni areas to its west as the province came under siege by government forces. A war monitor put the total death toll at 89 on Monday. On Sunday, at least one Druze town was seized by militias from neighbouring Deraa, in the worst violence against the Druze community since clashes in April, sources said. Sweida and parts of eastern Syria, where the mostly Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces are in control, are the only areas where the government does not fully exert control. The leadership of both the Kurds and the Druze have opposed what they describe as HTS's religious agenda under Syria's new President, Ahmad Al Shara. The latest clashes in Sweida started last week after Fadlalah Duwara, a vegetable seller and member of the Druze community, was abducted while driving his lorry on the main road from Sweida to Damascus, which is under government control. His tribe responded by abducting a man in a Sunni neighbourhood of Sweida. The area is inhabited by members of Bedouin tribes who moved to the city decades ago from a rugged region on the outskirts.
The National
01-05-2025
- Politics
- The National
Syria Druze spiritual leader calls for international intervention after 'genocidal campaign' against community
Syrian Druze spiritual leader Sheikh Hikmat Al Hijri on Thursday condemned a "genocidal campaign" against his people and called for "international forces to maintain peace and prevent the continuation of these crimes". He spoke after three days of deadly sectarian clashes in Jaramana and Sahnaya, suburbs of the capital Damascus, in which 73 people died, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor. In a statement, Mr Al Hijri said: "Seeking international protection is a legitimate right for people who have been wiped out by massacres.' He asked for the international community to "see this disregard" and not turn a blind eye to what is happening to the community. "We do not need words, but actions," he said. "We are not advocates of secession, and we will not be," he said. "Rather, we advocate actual participation and the establishment of a democratic federal state that preserves our dignity, guarantees the freedom of the nation and the citizen, and maintains security.' Sectarian violence broke out between Syrian security forces, fighters aligned with them, and local Druze fighters. The death toll from the violence included 30 members of the security forces, 15 fighters from the Druze minority and one civilian. In the southern Suweida province, 27 Druze gunmen were killed, 23 of them in an "ambush" on the Suweida-Damascus road on Wednesday, the UK-based monitor, which relies on a network of sources in Syria, said. The fighters were killed in "an ambush carried out by forces affiliated with the ministries of interior and defence and gunmen allied with them," as a convoy of armed Druze men was heading from Suweida Governorate to the town of Sahnaya in the Damascus countryside, the Observatory reported. The violence was sparked by an audio recording which circulated on social media, allegedly of a Druze citizen and deemed blasphemous. The Syrian authorities later said the recording was fake. A truce agreement was reached on Wednesday in Jaramana and Sahnaya following meetings between Druze representatives and government officials. Syrian authorities announced the deployment of their forces in Sahnaya to ensure security, accusing "outlaw groups" of instigating the clashes. However, Mr Al Hijri said: "We no longer trust an entity pretending to be a government ... because the government does not kill its people through its extremist militias ... and then claim they were unruly elements after the massacres. The government [should] protect its people." A Druze fighter in Ashrafiyet Sahnaya told The National this week that the community is "living in fear". "The state forces didn't intervene," he said. "We're isolated and left to defend ourselves. There have been dozens killed in the last days, it's the worst in Damascus since the war.' The sectarian violence has threatened to ignite broader unrest across Syria. It follows escalating tensions that began with a scuffle in Homs and then developed into a full-blown crisis for the HTS-led government of Ahmad Al Shara as he tries to restore order and project an image of unity and inclusion domestically and to the international community, following 14 gruelling years of civil war. Israel on Wednesday carried out a strike in Syria against what it called "an extremist group" that attacked members of the Druze community, following through on a promise to defend the minority group. A Syrian Foreign Ministry statement rejected "all forms of foreign intervention" in Syria's internal affairs, without mentioning Israel, and declared Syria's commitment to protecting all Syrian groups "including the noble Druze sect". It marks the first time Israel has announced a military strike in support of Syrian Druze since Bashar Al Assad was toppled, and reflects its deep mistrust of the new authorities. The last sectarian killings took place in Syria's coastal area in March, where the Observatory said security forces and allied groups killed more than 1,700 civilians, mostly Alawites. It was the worst bloodshed since the removal in December of Mr Al Assad, who is an Alawite. – With reporting from agencies
The National
02-03-2025
- Politics
- The National
Israel vows to defend Syria's Druze after clashes on edge of Damascus
Israel has vowed to defend Syria's Druze community after deadly clashes over the weekend in Damascus involving members of the sect and the country's Hayat Tahrir Al Sham (HTS) rulers, adding to tension between minorities and the new authorities, and raising concerns about the possibility of more outside intervention in the country. At least three people have been killed since Saturday after forces loyal to HTS made incursions into the neighbourhood of Jaramana, near the road to Damascus airport, prompting the Druze to bring in reinforcements from the sect's heartland in the southern governorate of Suweida, residents said. Machine gun fire and the sound of rocket propelled grenades could be heard in the neighbourhood throughout Saturday as HTS forces surrounded the district, but could not seal it completely. A member of the inner circle of Sheikh Hikmat Al Hijri, the sect's spiritual leader in Syria, said the tension in Jaramana had abated on Sunday. "The situation has been contained," he said. He attributed the change to a visit by a Druze militia leader loyal to Mr Hijri, who arrived in Jaramana from Suweida and asked the community's armed members to reduce their presence in the streets. The Druze community, estimated to be around one million, are mainly present in Syria, Israel, Lebanon and Jordan. An Israeli Defence Ministry statement said that the Druze of Jaramana have come under attack. Large numbers of Druze live in the mixed neighbourhood of several hundreds of thousands of people. Syria's new leader Ahmed Al Shara, the leader of HTS, which led the toppling of the former dictator Bashar Al Assad on December 8, was linked to Al Qaeda before breaking off from the group and forming HTS. 'We will not allow the terrorist regime of radical Islam in Syria to harm the Druze. If the regime harms the Druze, it will be harmed by us,' the Israeli statement said. Mr Al Shara is aiming to consolidate control in outlying areas of the country. But he is facing resistance from leaders of the Druze and other religious and ethnic groups. Israel has also said it will not allow HTS to entrench itself in the south of Syria, which comprises Suweida and areas in the nearby governorates of Deraa and Quneitra. The two regions are adjacent to Israeli positions in the Golan Heights, where Israel has expanded a buffer zone in the last two months. Last week, Israel struck sites south of Damascus that formerly belonged to the Assad regime after HTS personnel moved in. Mr Al Shara has repeatedly signalled that no harm will come to members of the country's many minorities unless they were complicit in the crimes of the former regime, however tension has been rising between minorities and the new authorities. A statement by Druze clergy in Jaramana said that the Druze of Jaramana will always consider their "depth" to be Damascus, without directly addressing the Israeli pledge of support for the community. The statement said that "rogue" elements in Jaramana should face the force of the law, without naming them. Many see Sheikh Al Hijri as a protector of the Druze, by virtue of his religious stature and outside connections. He steered the community away from joining in the suppression of the peaceful 2011 revolt against Mr Al Assad as most young Druze dodged conscription. In August 2022, he supported a civil disobedience movement in Suweida that demanded the former leader's removal, which lasted until he was ousted in December. The anti-Assad movement in Suweida lasted so long because any attempt to violently suppress it was expected to be met with a response by Israel. Russia, whose influence has drastically waned in Syria, was also seen as not having favoured the use of mass violence against the Druze. The country remains fragmented, with Russia maintaining a coastal base near the Alawite Mountains, the core support region of the former regime. The US, which backs a Kurdish militia in the east, also has bases in the country. Mr Al Hijri has welcomed the removal of Mr Al Assad but has called for an inclusive civil administration to replace the former regime, implying that the new state must be secular. A European diplomat in Amman said the status of the Druze and other minorities was discussed during a brief meeting in Amman between King Abdullah and Mr Al Shara. The king condemned the Israeli attacks, and 'affirmed support for Syria's unity and sovereignty'.
