A major challenge has emerged for Ahmad al-Sharaa's regime in Damascus: Several Druze militias in the Sweida region of Jabal al-Druze announced Monday the formation of a joint operations room, establishing themselves as a military force separate from Damascus's vision of a unified Syrian army. Multiple organizations, predominantly Druze groups that previously aligned with the Assad regime, declared the creation of an umbrella organization aimed at ensuring "security and stability" in the Jabal al-Druze region.
Members of the militia appeared in photographs bearing arms alongside their organizational flag – light blue with a Druze star, deliberately reminiscent of the Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces' banner. The Druze initiative mirrors the Kurdish strategy of maintaining autonomy in northeastern Syria while engaging in negotiations with the al-Sharaa regime in Damascus. Tariq al-Shoufi, who leads the newly formed "Military Council" umbrella organization, stated: "The Democratic Front organization protected its people and territories from terrorism and tyrannical rule."
A new Military Council was formed for Suwayda, seems inspired by SDF councils. Their FB page dates back to Dec. 10 pic.twitter.com/1qeYxTSE7W
— Wladimir van Wilgenburg (@vvanwilgenburg) February 23, 2025
This development reflects mounting dissatisfaction among Druze in the Sweida region regarding Damascus's governance and growing concern about potentially losing their current autonomous status. Three political coalitions operate in Jabal al-Druze, with the largest, the "National Forces Alliance," having shifted its allegiance from Assad to the opposition in 2023 during widespread anti-Assad protests in the region. The Druze now aim to prevent new regime forces from entering Druze settlements in Jabal al-Druze and its capital, Sweida. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Sunday that Israel will work to establish a "demilitarized zone" in southern Syria, which would exclude new regime forces.
