90 percent of Syrian captagon made in Sweida, envoy says
Tom Barrack links the illicit drug trade to militia funding in southern Syria while criticizing a Druze spiritual leader for exploiting perceived Israeli support.
By Elijah Fitzgerald ·
US Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack identified the region between Sweida and Daraa as the source of 90 percent of the country's captagon trade during an interview published on Friday. Barrack, who also serves as the ambassador to Turkey, spoke with commentator Mario Nawfal in a discussion released on the social media platform X. He described the area as a global hub for the manufacture and sale of the illicit stimulant, comparing the production process to the manufacturing of methamphetamine.
The envoy argued that the revenue from this trade allows local armed factions to finance their weapons. He stated that the profits enable Druze groups in the province to arm themselves effectively. Barrack suggested that the economic underpinnings of these militias are directly tied to the volume of captagon produced in the southern corridor.
In the same interview, Barrack directed sharp criticism at a prominent Druze spiritual leader in southern Syria. Although he did not explicitly name the individual, the comments coincided with growing tensions surrounding Hikmat al-Hijri. Al-Hijri is a key figure in Sweida who opposes the authority of Damascus and has advocated for full independence from the Syrian government. Barrack alleged that the sheikh exploits the perception of support from Israel and the United States to target other members of the Druze community.
The envoy clarified that his concern was not the state of Israel itself, but the specific use of that relationship by a local leader. He rejected claims that the sheikh has explicit backing from Washington, describing such notions as absolutely wrong. The friction between factions in the region 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.
The Bashan administration, which is affiliated with al-Hijri, responded to Barrack's accusations with a statement expressing profound anger. 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.
Al-Hijri declared in May 2026 that the move toward self-determination for Jabal Bashan is irreversible. He emphasized the goal of establishing a fully independent administration 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 Druze communities in the Golan Heights and along the border have paid a significant price as allies 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. The envoy observed that Syria has exercised notable restraint in response to these incursions, warning that aggressive retaliation could trigger a wider conflict.
The two nations have held five rounds of border and boundary talks, a process that began in Paris in May 2024. Barrack expressed confidence that the parties will reach a final understanding, despite continuing mistrust. He noted that Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has stated he does not desire a confrontation with Israel, although Israel remains wary of Syria's new leadership.
