Syrian envoy: Militia arms funded by captagon trade

Armed factions in southern Syria are purchasing weapons with revenue from the illicit captagon trade, according to US special envoy Tom Barrack. He stated that the region stretching from Sweida to Daraa functions as a global hub for manufacturing and selling the drug. Barrack compared the local production volume to that of methamphetamine.

The envoy said the cash flow from this trade allows Druze groups to arm themselves effectively. He made these remarks during an interview with commentator Mario Nawfal, which appeared on social media platform X on Friday. Barrack, who also serves as the US ambassador to Turkey, identified the economic engine behind local militias.

Barrack linked this financial structure to political tensions involving Hikmat al-Hijri, a prominent spiritual leader in Sweida. Al-Hijri opposes Damascus authority and advocates for full independence. He has called for support from Israel. Barrack criticized al-Hijri for using the perception of Israeli and American backing to target other Druze members. The envoy did not name al-Hijri explicitly in the interview but described his concerns as focused on this specific sheikh.

The Bashan administration, which aligns with al-Hijri, reacted with what it called profound anger. In a statement, the group denied that Jabal Bashan is a center for captagon production. It argued that the community has historically fought against smuggling networks. The administration noted that the community has lost young men in the struggle to eradicate illicit drugs.

Al-Hijri declared in May 2026 that the move toward self-determination is irreversible. He aims to establish an independent administration for Jabal Bashan distinct from the Damascus government. This push for autonomy has increased scrutiny on the region's internal politics. Tensions rose earlier this month when al-Hijri supporters raised Israeli flags during a rally marking the anniversary of the October 7, 2023 attacks.

Barrack rejected claims that Washington explicitly supports the sheikh, calling such notions absolutely wrong. He pointed to Druze communities in the Golan Heights and along the border. He noted that these groups have paid a high price as allies alongside Israeli Defense Forces soldiers. Israel has framed its military interventions in southern Syria as efforts to protect Druze populations.

Israel conducted strikes against Syrian government forces in Sweida in July 2025. Barrack observed that Syria has exercised restraint in response to Israeli incursions. He warned that aggressive retaliation could trigger a wider conflict. Damascus has been patient in allowing Israel to maintain a perceived buffer zone.

The two nations have held five rounds of border and boundary talks since May 2024, starting in Paris. Barrack expressed confidence that they will reach a final understanding. He noted that President Ahmed al-Sharaa does not desire a confrontation, although Israel remains wary of his past with the al-Nusra Front.