Hikmat al-Hijri Calls for International Support to Declare an Autonomous Region in Southern Syria
Hikmat al-Hijri, one of the senior Druze religious leaders in Syria’s Suwayda Governorate, has called on the international community to support what he described as a demand for the establishment of a separate autonomous region in southern Syria.
The statement was made during an expanded meeting held in his hometown of Qanawat, east of Suwayda, attended by religious figures and representatives of local armed groups. The meeting aimed to consolidate efforts and unify under a newly announced formation called the Druze National Guard.
Al-Hijri: “The Druze community is facing an existential crisis”
During the meeting, al-Hijri stated that the new direction being pursued followed what he described as “a crisis that targeted the Druze community, with the intent of extermination.” He said the current efforts, particularly the formation of the Druze National Guard, represent a new beginning to ensure the protection of the community in Syria.
He added, “We are advocates of peace, not conflict, but we have the right to defend ourselves. What occurred recently was a brutal and barbaric assault that directly targeted us.”
Formation of the Druze National Guard Backed by Local Armed Groups
Last week, 30 local armed factions in Suwayda announced their merger into a unified group under the name the “National Guard in Suwayda”. The announcement was made in a recorded statement, delivered in the presence of Hikmat al-Hijri, where participants affirmed their commitment to his leadership, referring to him as the legitimate representative of the Druze community in the governorate.
According to the statement, the purpose of the National Guard is to organize security efforts in Suwayda, citing the deterioration of local security conditions and the diminishing role of official state institutions.
Calls for International Guarantees and External Support
Al-Hijri emphasized the importance of establishing clear legal and security arrangements in the region, asserting that any future steps would require international guarantees.
He also extended gratitude to countries that have expressed solidarity with the Druze community in Syria, specifically mentioning the United States, Israel, and Druze communities in Israel, for what he described as their moral and humanitarian support.
