90 percent of Syria's captagon trade starts in Sweida, envoy says

US special envoy Tom Barrack stated on Friday that 90 percent of Syria's captagon trade originates in the Sweida province. Barrack, who also serves as the ambassador to Turkey, made the assessment during an interview with commentator Mario Nawfal published on the social media platform X. He described the corridor between Sweida and Daraa as a global hub for the manufacture and sale of the illicit substance, comparing its production volume to the manufacturing of methamphetamine.

The envoy connected this drug revenue to the financial capacity of local armed factions. He asserted that the income from the captagon trade enables Druze groups in the province to finance their weapons effectively. Barrack suggested that this economic underpinning allows these militias to arm themselves and sustain their operations in the region.

Barrack also directed specific criticism at Hikmat al-Hijri, a prominent Druze spiritual leader in Sweida. Although he did not explicitly name al-Hijri in the interview, Barrack alleged that the sheikh exploits the perception of backing from Israel and the United States to target other members of the Druze community. The envoy clarified that his primary concern was not the state of Israel, but the way this specific leader leverages external alignments to persecute fellow Druze.

The friction between these 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. Barrack firmly rejected the notion that the sheikh has explicit support from Washington, describing such claims as absolutely wrong.

In response to the envoy's accusations, the Bashan administration, which is 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, in the struggle to eradicate illicit drugs.

The political situation in the region has been complicated by al-Hijri's declaration in May 2026 that the move toward self-determination is irreversible. He emphasized the goal of establishing a fully independent administration for Jabal Bashan that is entirely distinct from the government in Damascus. This push for autonomy has intensified scrutiny on the region's internal politics and its relationship with neighboring powers.

Barrack noted that the alignment between Israel and the Druze goes beyond mere political interference. He pointed to Druze communities in the Golan Heights and along the border, noting that they have paid a significant price as allies alongside Israeli Defense Forces soldiers. Israel has repeatedly framed its military interventions in southern Syria as efforts to protect the Druze, including strikes against Syrian government forces in Sweida in July 2025.

The envoy expressed optimism that Israel and Syria will eventually reach an understanding, despite continuing mistrust. He noted that Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has made it clear he does not desire a confrontation with Israel, though Israel remains wary of Syria's new leadership. Barrack highlighted that the two sides have already held five rounds of border and boundary talks, which began in Paris in May 2024. He stated his confidence that they will reach a final understanding.