Druze Spiritual Leader Calls for Independence in Southern Syria Amid Rising Death Toll

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The spiritual leader of Syria’s Druze community, Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, issued his strongest call yet for independence, declaring that the Druze in southern Syria have no option left but to establish a separate entity that guarantees their survival, dignity, and rights.

His remarks came on Saturday during a meeting at his residence in Qanawat, where he received delegations from across Sweida province, including the armed group Liwa al-Jabal from Dhibin, representatives from Salah village, and other local factions.

In his address, Sheikh al-Hijri stressed that the Druze community had exhausted all attempts at negotiation with Damascus and that self-determination is now the only path.

“We do not have the ability to negotiate anything other than independence. There is no other way,” he said. “We want to live with dignity in a structure that aligns with the great powers and with open, civilized societies.”

He accused both internal and external politicians of exploiting the Druze for personal gain, urging them to “stop trading in our lives and our future.”

Al-Hijri emphasized that the Druze are preparing for all possible scenarios with both military and political structures. He described the Druze National Guard as a unified defensive force, a request supported by international guarantor states, and said that a legal and political committee had already been formed to represent the community in upcoming negotiations.

“We want independence, and this is beyond dispute. We must live in dignity and in a way that reflects our culture, consistent with the values of free nations worldwide,” he declared.

The sheikh’s remarks coincided with large demonstrations in Sweida, where protesters carried slogans demanding self-determination.

He recounted the sacrifices made by young men and women on the frontlines, accusing the Syrian regime and its allies of orchestrating massacres, closing villages, and committing grave violations.

Al-Hijri insisted that these abuses are already well-documented by the United Nations and human rights bodies, although he noted that the available records represent only a fraction of the atrocities endured by the Druze community.

He placed partial blame on individuals within the community who colluded with the regime, branding them as “traitors” who facilitated the entry of hostile forces.

Despite the devastating toll, he rejected any call for revenge or sectarian war, insisting that the Druze message is one of partnership with all peoples, Arab and non-Arab alike.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported last week that the death toll in Sweida since the eruption of violence in mid-July has reached nearly 2,000 people.

The organization documented the extrajudicial execution of 765 civilians, including women, children, and medical workers, carried out by government forces and allied Bedouin militias. Among the victims were 20 staff members of Sweida National Hospital.

According to SOHR, more than 1,490 of the victims were Druze from Sweida province, with the remainder including regime soldiers, Bedouin tribesmen, and others killed in bombardments and clashes.

The report also detailed forced displacement, kidnappings, and widespread destruction of homes and businesses, labeling the campaign a “savage invasion.”

The bloodshed in Sweida has intensified calls for political decentralization. Druze leaders are now openly aligning themselves with wider movements across Syria’s minority communities that seek federal or autonomous structures as a safeguard against state abuses.

Earlier this week, a group of Alawite figures announced the creation of the Political Council for Central and Western Syria, endorsing federal democracy and branding the Damascus government “illegitimate.”

These initiatives directly challenge President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s insistence on maintaining a strong centralized state, despite mounting evidence of atrocities committed by forces under his command.

In his closing remarks, Sheikh al-Hijri said the Druze will remain committed to their principle of unity and to their historic doctrine of Tawhid, while preparing themselves to confront the future with resilience.

“This is not just my message. It comes from the youth, who think rightly about their future. With God’s help and with the support of free nations and free peoples, we will achieve our goal. Independence is our only salvation.”

He underscored that the Druze are not seeking conflict but rather recognition, partnership, and international support for their right to self-determination.