Tensions between the Druze community and the Syrian transitional government have escalated, particularly on the nights of March 1 and 2, following the death of a government security forces member during clashes with local Druze militias in Jaramana, a suburb of Damascus. The situation between Damascus and the province of Suwayda has now become particularly critical. While some Druze groups and leaders favor a diplomatic approach and dialogue with Ahmad al-Shara’, others, such as the Suwayda Military Council, have taken a more distant and assertive position. The Suwayda Military Council has even adopted a flag similar to that of the SDF, featuring a map of Syria with the only distinction being the prominence of the Suwayda governorate and the Druze star.
This tense context unfolds as Israel continues to invasion in southern Syria, gradually seizing territory, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu making multiple statements asserting his commitment to “protecting the Druze community”. Accused by some of separatism, or even of serving Israeli agenda, the Suwayda Military Council maintains that its mission is to protect the region and ensure security. Its influence has grown significantly in recent days, drawing in numerous local factions. In a statement released on March 1, it announced a large-scale mobilization throughout the region. As the situation evolves rapidly, power dynamics could shift at any moment.
Interview with Tariq al-Shoufi, leader of the Suwayda Military Council.
The interview was conducted in writing, with Tariq al-Shoufi given the option of skipping questions he preferred not to answer.
1) Could you introduce yourself? Where were you born? What is your background? What were you doing before and during the civil war? And at the end of Assad’s regime last December?
I was born in the Suwayda province, in the Druze community, and grew up in the village of Shannireh, in the countryside of this province. I enlisted in the army in 1997 and joined the Military Academy, from which I graduated in 2000. I served in the Syrian Army before deserting in 2015 after witnessing the crimes committed by Bashar al-Assad’s regime against the Syrian people. I refused to stain my hands with the blood of a people seeking freedom and dignity. I was among the staunchest supporters of overthrowing the dictatorship and the injustice imposed by Assad on his people. I lived in the Suwayda province, among my community, sharing its hardships and joys. I then participated in the Suwayda uprising and founded the Federal Movement for Syria with a group of revolutionaries and politicians. I was then involved in the fall of Assad's regime, putting forth significant military and political efforts to topple Assad and transform Syria's system of governance.
2) How did you feel about the regime's fall?
The fall of Assad’s regime was an unforgettable moment, one of the best moments of my life. However, I had hoped that the Free Army and the Southern Forces of Syria would take control of Damascus, but what happened afterward left me disappointed. I watched the situation unfold with caution as Ahmad al-Shara’s groups arrived in Damascus, aware of their past, their extremist ideology, and their inclusion on international terrorist lists.
3) What motivated you to create the Suwayda Military Council?
I founded the Military Council of Southern Syria in Suwayda during the former regime, along with a group of defected and free officers who stood alongside the revolutionaries in Dignity Square. The council was officially announced to the media one day after Assad's fall.
When events in Damascus revealed that they—the transition government dominated by HTS—did not trust local skills and expertise, that they had introduced extremists and foreigners into the army, and that they rejected the idea of building a democratic, secular, and decentralized state, I decided to revive the Military Council and reorganize the fighters into specialized military units functioning within an institution.
4) How many groups/factions are there within the Council? How many men does this represent?
The Suwayda Military Council brings together several groups, including army deserters and revolutionary fighters. The number of men exceeds ten thousand and continues to grow rapidly. I want to clarify that the Military Council does not wish to accept those responsible for Syrian bloodshed or those who are outlaws, and the majority of members come from young revolutionaries who opposed Assad’s regime.
5) Were these groups active during the civil war?
Yes, these groups were active during the civil war. Many were involved in secret operations against the Shiite militias that were wreaking havoc in southern Syria.
6) What are your demands as a group? Do you want a decentralized, federal state? Or even the autonomy of the Suwayda province?
We demand justice and the rule of law. We advocate for a decentralized, federal state that guarantees the rights of all. The experience of centralized government has failed, and we believe that federalism is the best solution.
7) Major Druze factions, such as Liwa al-Rejel al-Karama and Liwa al-Jebel, have not joined the Council. What are your thoughts on this?
I have extended an invitation to all factions to join the Council, and those who are hesitant will eventually join.
8) What is the role of the Druze shaykhs in your project, organization, and discourse? Specifically, the role of Shaykh Hikmat al-Hijri?
Today, the Military Council enjoys broad legitimacy among the popular base and religious leaders.
9) Over the past two days, clashes have erupted in Jaramana between security forces and Druze factions. How do you assess the situation? And what do you see as the best path out of this crisis?
There are indeed clashes in Jaramana. We condemn any attack on our community and refuse to attack anyone without cause. We also oppose the disarmament of the people of Jaramana and call for the organization of weapons under the supervision of the Military Council in order to operate in a structured and precise manner.
10) There was a special envoy from the government in Suwayda, Mustapha Bakour. Do you have any communication channels with him?
We have no communication channels with the Syrian government or its representatives.
11) Many voices claim that the Suwayda Military Council has close ties to the SDF and certain groups in Syria's coastal region. Is this accurate? What is the nature of these relationships?
The Suwayda Military Council is not affiliated with any group and operates in southern Syria, coordinating closely with the local population.
12) Israel is invading southern Syria. What is your perspective on this development? Could Israel become an ally in a potential confrontation with jihadist groups or security forces?
The Suwayda Military Council is not affiliated with any group and operates in southern Syria, coordinating closely with the local population.
13) What is your message to the new government in Damascus?
We urge the new government in Damascus to promote sincere dialogue with all Syrian parties.
14) What is your message to the West?
We call on the coalition forces and the free world to support the province of Suwayda, southern Syria, and the Military Council.
