US envoy: Sweida-Daraa corridor sources 90 percent of Syria's captagon

US special envoy for Syria Tom Barrack stated that 90 percent of the country's captagon trade originates in the region stretching from Sweida to Daraa. In an interview published on social media platform X on Friday, Barrack described this corridor as a global hub for the manufacture and sale of the synthetic stimulant. He compared the industrial scale of production in the area to the manufacturing of methamphetamine.

Barrack argued that the revenue generated by this illicit trade finances local armed factions. Specifically, he suggested that Druze groups in Sweida use the profits to purchase weapons. This economic activity, according to the envoy, allows these militias to arm themselves effectively and sustain their operations within the province.

The envoy directed sharp criticism at Hikmat al-Hijri, a prominent Druze spiritual leader in southern Syria. Although Barrack did not name al-Hijri explicitly in the interview, he identified the sheikh as the primary figure exploiting the perception of Israeli and American backing. Barrack claimed al-Hijri uses this perceived alignment to target other members of the Druze community. He clarified that his concern was not with the state of Israel itself, but with the specific actions of this local leader.

The tension surrounding al-Hijri intensified earlier this month when his supporters raised Israeli flags during a rally in Sweida. The gathering marked the anniversary of the 7 October 2023 attacks. Barrack rejected the notion that Washington has given explicit support to the sheikh, describing such claims as absolutely wrong. The Bashan administration, affiliated with al-Hijri, issued a statement expressing anger at the envoy's accusations. They denied that Jabal Bashan is a center for captagon production, noting that the community has historically fought against smuggling networks and sacrificed young men in that struggle.

Al-Hijri declared in May 2026 that the move toward self-determination for Jabal Bashan is irreversible. He advocates for a fully independent administration distinct from the government in Damascus. This push for autonomy has complicated the political dynamics in the region. Barrack noted that Israel has repeatedly framed its military interventions in southern Syria as efforts to protect the Druze, including strikes against Syrian government forces in Sweida in July 2025.

Barrack observed that Syria has exercised restraint in response to these incursions. He warned that aggressive retaliation could trigger a wider conflict. The envoy suggested that Damascus has been patient in allowing Israel to maintain a buffer zone along the border. This strategic choice aims to prevent the conflict from expanding into a larger war.

Negotiations between Israel and Syria have been ongoing since May 2024, with five rounds of border talks held in Paris. Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has stated he does not desire a confrontation with Israel. However, Barrack acknowledged that Israel remains wary of Syria's new leadership, citing Sharaa's past with the al-Nusra Front and the presence of foreign fighters near the border. The envoy expressed confidence that the two sides will eventually reach a final understanding.