Druze Factions Close to Israel Form the Suwayda Military Council in Syria

In southern Syria, in the province of Suwayda, a new military coalition led by the Druze was born, whose purpose is to address security issues following the fall of the Syrian Arab Army (SAA).

The Suwayda Military Council, officially presented on February 24, brings together various local armed groups to maintain order and protect civilians in the area.

This council, initially established as a Provisional Military Council after the fall of Bashar al Assad's regime in December 2024, consolidated its position on the ground.

Commander Tareq al Shoufi stated that the group's intention is to integrate into a future Syrian army based on principles of secularism, democracy, and decentralization. During a meeting at the Al Kafr Agricultural Airport, the council members outlined their goals and requested military collaboration with political and revolutionary factions.

However, this initiative caused tensions among Druze leaders. The main spiritual Druze leader of Syria, Hikmat al Hajeri, rejected the formation of the council, considering it a separatist movement that doesn't reflect the Druze community as a whole.

Meanwhile, the new leader of Syria, Ahmed al-Sharaa, met with a Suwayda delegation in Damascus to discuss security issues, political participation, and the future of the State.

The delegation was composed of prominent figures such as Sheikh Suleiman Abdul Baqi, Sheikh Laith al Balous, and Sheikh Moanis Abu Hala, who represent various armed factions.

The Suwayda Military Council adopted a flag featuring a map of Syria similar to that of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) led by the Kurds, with the Suwayda Governorate highlighted by the five-pointed Druze star. The council expressed its desire to collaborate with the SDF and praised their role in the resistance against dictatorship and terrorism.

Various local militias pledged allegiance to the new council, including the Forces of the Faithful Ali bin Abi Talib, the Nabi Shuaib Forces, and the Bayraq Suleiman Bin Daoud Forces.

Support for Israel

Majed Najem Abu Ras, leader of the latter, played a key role in recruitment efforts. In the past, Abu Ras has disseminated messages of support for Israel, including one from an Israeli Druze figure encouraging Suwayda's youth to join the council in the face of a possible Israeli military intervention in Syria.

In another post, Abu Ras supported the statements of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the protection of Syria's Druze, suggesting that his message was directed at Hayat Tahrir al Sham (HTS).

The security landscape in Suwayda is rapidly changing, and it is still uncertain what the council's next steps will be.