Druze Protest in Sweida Demands Separation from Syrian Government
A group of residents from Shahba in Syria’s Suweida province held a protest demanding full independence from the central government. The demonstration reflects growing calls for autonomy among segments of the Druze community.
This development comes amid reports that Sweida has become a focal point in recent negotiations between Damascus and Tel Aviv. Back in August 2025, prominent Druze leader Hikmat al-Hijri issued a statement advocating for the creation of an independent Druze region in southern Syria. Following his call, several armed Druze factions set aside internal disputes and formed a “National Guard” under his leadership.
The explicit demand for separation signals a rising tide of self-rule sentiment in Sweida. Its inclusion in Syria-Israel talks underscores the province’s strategic importance, suggesting that security concerns there are not merely domestic but carry regional implications. Israeli officials are reportedly leveraging the Druze issue as a pressure point against Damascus.
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