5 rounds of talks mark US-Syria border negotiations

The economic foundation of armed groups in southern Syria rests on the illicit sale of captagon, according to US special envoy Tom Barrack. Barrack, who also serves as the US ambassador to Turkey, stated that the region between Sweida and Daraa functions as a global hub for manufacturing and selling the drug. He compared the production volume to that of methamphetamine, asserting that the revenue allows local Druze factions to purchase weapons effectively. This assessment places a specific monetary mechanism behind the military capabilities of groups operating in the area.

Barrack directed criticism at a prominent Druze spiritual leader in Sweida, alleging that the figure exploits the perception of Israeli and American backing. The envoy clarified that his concern focuses on this specific individual rather than the state of Israel. Although Barrack did not name the leader during his interview with Mario Nawfal, published on X on Friday, the remarks coincide with rising tensions surrounding Hikmat al-Hijri. Al-Hijri opposes Damascus, has called for Israeli support, and advocates for full independence from the Syrian government. Barrack rejected the idea that Washington explicitly supports the sheikh, describing such claims as absolutely wrong.

The friction between local factions became visible earlier this month during a rally in Sweida. Supporters of al-Hijri raised Israeli flags during the gathering, which marked the anniversary of the October 7, 2023 attacks. The Bashan administration, affiliated with al-Hijri, responded to Barrack's economic accusations with a statement expressing anger and condemnation. The group denied that Jabal Bashan is a center for captagon production, arguing that the community has historically fought smuggling networks. They cited the sacrifice of young men as evidence of their long-standing struggle against illicit drugs.

Al-Hijri declared in May 2026 that the move toward self-determination is irreversible. He aims to establish a fully independent administration for Jabal Bashan, distinct from the government in Damascus. This push for autonomy has intensified scrutiny on the region's internal politics. Barrack noted that Druze communities in the Golan Heights and along the border have served alongside Israeli Defense Forces, paying a high price in that alliance. Israel has 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 Israeli incursions. He warned that aggressive retaliation could trigger a wider conflict. Damascus has allowed Israel to maintain a perceived buffer zone while the Druze conduct themselves in ways some view as inappropriate. This patience is a strategic choice to prevent a larger war. Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has stated he does not desire a confrontation with Israel, though 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 negotiations between the two nations are an ongoing process of building trust. The two sides have held five rounds of border and boundary talks, beginning in Paris in May 2024. Barrack expressed confidence in the trajectory of these discussions, noting that while the parties have come close to an agreement before, he believes they will reach a final understanding.