Syria’s Fractured Frontlines
"Israel is Arming Druze Militias In Southern Syria"
Commanders in Suwayda say Israel is supplying arms and salaries to Druze fighters demanding autonomy after July’s massacre, complicating Islamist and regional power struggles
Reports from Druze commanders in Syria’s Suwayda Governorate suggest that Israel has begun providing both weapons and financial support to local militias. The aid is fueling a push for greater autonomy in the Druze heartland, months after a bloody murderous crackdown left scores of civilians dead following islamist attacks.
The Islamist faction Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which insists on keeping all Syrian territory under tight central rule, views Druze self-governance as a threat. But community leaders argue autonomy is essential after the July massacre. Roughly 3,000 Druze fighters are now active in the area, with many believed to be on Israel’s payroll.
Meanwehile, the U.S. and Jordan announced a “roadmap” for Suwayda this week, though details remain vague.
Syrian forces, meanwhile, have pulled back heavy weaponry from the province, a gesture that may lower immediate tensions but leaves ground troops firmly in place.