Barrack: Captagon cash buys weapons for Sweida militias

US special envoy Tom Barrack said on Friday that the captagon trade finances armed groups in southern Syria.

Barrack, who also serves as the US ambassador to Turkey, spoke during an interview with Mario Nawfal. The conversation was posted on the social media platform X. Barrack stated that the region between Sweida and Daraa acts as a major hub for manufacturing and selling the illicit stimulant. He compared the production process to methamphetamine manufacturing. According to the envoy, revenue from this trade allows Druze factions in the province to purchase weapons.

The envoy also directed criticism at a prominent Druze spiritual leader in Sweida. Although Barrack did not name the individual, the remarks align with rising tensions surrounding Hikmat al-Hijri. Al-Hijri opposes the authority of Damascus and has called for independence. He also has advocated for support from Israel. Barrack said the leader uses the perception of backing from Washington and Tel Aviv to target other Druze community members. The envoy rejected the idea that the sheikh has explicit support from the United States.

Earlier this month, tensions escalated when supporters of al-Hijri raised Israeli flags at a rally in Sweida. The event marked the anniversary of the October 2023 attacks. In response to Barrack's comments, the Bashan administration issued a statement. The group is affiliated with al-Hijri. It expressed anger and denied that the Jabal Bashan region is a center for drug production. The administration argued that the community has fought smuggling networks and has lost young men in that struggle.

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 government in Damascus. Barrack noted that Israel has framed its military actions in southern Syria as efforts to protect Druze communities. This includes strikes against Syrian government forces in Sweida in July 2025. The envoy observed that Syria has shown restraint in response to these incursions. He warned that aggressive retaliation could lead to a wider conflict.

Barrack said he expects Israel and Syria to reach an understanding despite ongoing mistrust. Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has stated he does not desire a confrontation with Israel. Israel remains wary of Syria's new leadership due to Sharaa's past with the al-Nusra Front and the presence of foreign fighters near the border. The two nations have held five rounds of border talks since May 2024. Barrack expressed confidence that the parties will reach a final agreement.