Druze Community Forms Military Council Amidst Syrian Instability
The Druze in Syria have established the Suwayda Military Council to safeguard their community amid ongoing instability. This formation seeks to address security concerns following Assad’s downfall, with community leaders expressing cautious optimism about the council’s efforts to protect civilians and restore order, while also facing challenges from other regional powers and factions.
The Druze community, predominantly located in southern Syria’s Suwayda region and nearby Jabal al-Druze, has consistently been cautious regarding external threats. While there are smaller Druze populations near the Golan Heights, they are part of a larger network across Syria and Lebanon. The Druze, like the Kurds and Yazidis, represent a distinct ethnic minority in the Middle East, practicing a faith that blends elements of Islam, Hinduism, and classical Greek philosophy. Recently, they suffered violence at the hands of ISIS and subsequent neglect following the Syrian civil war’s aftermath regarding the former regime’s control efforts in Suwayda.
In response to their precarious situation, armed Druze factions in Suwayda announced the formation of the Suwayda Military Council on February 24, which aims to protect the Druze community from external threats and government oppression. This development occurred in the wake of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s downfall and the uncertainty surrounding the interim leadership of President Ahmad al-Sharaa. A Druze resident, Ahmed Al Shareef, noted, “Since 2015, Suwayda was under cautious control of the Assad regime…the poorest lost government support for bread and essential goods.”
The council endeavors to safeguard civilians and public properties while collaborating with other security factions to maintain regional stability. According to Mr. Al Shareef, conditions have slightly improved as many gangs previously supported by Assad have diminished in power following his removal. However, threats remain, particularly from groups like Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which has not gained full entry into Suwayda due to local opposition.
Previously known as the Interim Military Council, the Suwayda Military Council formed after Syrian Arab Army (SAA) forces withdrew from the area due to escalating violence. Its commander, Tareq Al Shoufi, stated the council’s intention to pursue integration into a unified Syrian army while promoting secularism, democracy, and decentralization. Nonetheless, some Druze leaders, including spiritual figure Sheikh Hikmat al-Hajri, criticized the council for perceived separatist tendencies.
The interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa has engaged in discussions with Suwayda representatives concerning security and political participation, yet there are concerns regarding his leadership due to his HTS past. Mr. Al Shareef remarked, “In Suwayda, Islamists can never impose Islamic law…he hasn’t shown seriousness in building a state.”
The Suwayda Military Council has adopted a flag reminiscent of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), symbolizing their unity in resistance against tyranny. They are open to collaboration with the SDF towards shared goals and have been consolidating power post-Assad by updating intelligence on former SAA operatives. Reports indicate that Tareq al Shoufi commands the council, allegedly stemming from a background of involvement in anti-Assad protests.
The Israeli Prime Minister recently remarked on the situation, stating, “We will not tolerate any threat to the Druze community in southern Syria.” There are indications that some group leaders within the council are pro-Israel, reflecting a broader regional dynamic. Local Druze civilians are cautiously optimistic about the council’s formation, expressing the need for strong organization and political efforts to complement security initiatives for the future.
The Druze community in Syria has formed the Suwayda Military Council in response to ongoing threats and instability following the fall of Bashar al-Assad. The council’s formation aims to protect local civilians and assert autonomy within the region, navigating complexities posed by various factions and leadership roles. While optimistic about greater organization, community leaders emphasize the need for political action alongside military support to ensure lasting safety and stability in Suwayda and beyond.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com