Druze Factions in Al-Suwayda’ After the National Guard Merger: Interview with a Constituent Group

Since late August, virtually all Druze armed factions in the southern Syrian province of al-Suwayda’ have merged into the ‘National Guard’ initiative that is endorsed by Hikmat al-Hijri (one of the three most senior spiritual Druze leaders in Syria, and the one with the most influence in al-Suwayda’).

For now, this ‘National Guard’ and the accompanying civil administration serve as placeholders in what is an ongoing impasse between the central government and the Druze community in al-Suwayda’, which continues to experience a humanitarian crisis on account of shortages of goods and deficiencies in services as the central government has the monopoly on access to goods and resources. It would appear that the central government is continuing to hope that al-Hijri and those who have rallied around them will eventually give ground.

The armed factions that constitute the ‘National Guard’ come from a variety of backgrounds and orientations. Below is an interview with one of its constituents, called Quwat Fursan Hamza (“Forces of Hamza’s Knights”), which has recently been rebranded as ‘Battalion 501- Special Assignments’ of the National Guard.

Q: When was Quwat Fursan Hamza formed and to whom does Hamza refer?

A: Quwat Fursan Hamza was formed after the events of 2018 in which Da‘esh [Islamic State] attacked the province’s eastern countryside. The name Hamza refers to Hamza bin Ali (may God be pleased with him).*

Q: What was the position of Quwat Fursan Hamza on the prior regime?

A: Our position was one of neutrality towards all sides, with our mission being to defend our families and people, and our cause being one of land, honour and religion alone, nothing else.

Q: Since when did Quwat Fursan Hamza support Shaykh Hikmat al-Hijri’s postions?

A: Since the beginning of the peaceful protest movement [in 2023]. We always supported his other positions because he possesses sound mind and correct opinion.

Q: In the battles that took place in July, how many martyrs did the forces have?

A: The number of our martyrs is five, with thirteen wounded.

Q: Amid the current situation, what is the solution in your view?

A: We are with very solution far removed from these extremist terrorists represented in the number one terrorist al-Jowlani. After what we saw from our ‘partners’ in the homeland in terms of takfir and criminality, there is no alternative for us but to separate.

Q: Some may say that separation is an unrealistic solution in so far as the Damascus government and Jordan oppose the idea and so an independent Druze state cannot survive. What’s your response to that?

A: As a foundational component, we live on our land and have roots therein from the time of our ancestors. We also have our history and acts of heroism over time. We have the right to self-determination. Jordan, represented in its government, head of state and people, has no business in determining the fate of our sect and people. We tried hard to be part of Syria. We would always say our destination is Damascus, but Jowlani is the one who came to divide the country and the matter is clear and exposed. So why are we accused of treason when he is the first traitor to the homeland and the one who carried out a campaign of genocide against our people? If the Ummah wants to declare me a disbeliever [takfir] and wants to slaughter me and deem my wealth fair game, is it required for me to stand silent?

Q: Before the military campaign against al-Suwayda’, what was the solution you wanted? For example establishing a federal, secular system?

A: Not at all. We wanted a complete, one and united Syria in which justice and security were supreme. We wanted it to be secular. We wanted it to be based on democratic principles in which equality between citizens in terms of rights and obligations would be supreme, without religious discrimination, sectarianism or racism.

Q: If the government in Damascus wants to gain the trust of the people of al-Suwayda’ and begin dialogue again, what is required of it?

A: There won’t be trust at all, whatever it does. These people do not respect a pact or covenant. They are not a government at all, but terrorist gangs, criminals who are as far removed as possible from the notion of government.

Q: How do you assess the Israeli role in the region? In your view did the Israeli strikes save the Druze?

A: The strikes helped but did not save the Druze. As for the Israeli role, it was protection of minorities and protecting the Druze’s special status. If the south of Syria were Kurdish, for example, Israel would adopt the same position. From another angle, the role of the Israeli Druze on the inside was very important in protecting the people of their sect and standing by their side. This increased the Israeli intervention in the war on al-Suwayda’. We are rooted in our land and loyal to this land, and our stance is for its sake and to protect our dignity, far removed from the international powers and policies. When the nations rally against you from every side to declare us disbelievers, slaughter us, wipe us out, take our women captive in the name of religion, and when there is incitement against us from the extremist Sunni Syrian people from 13 Syrian provinces, and when the blood of 2500 defenceless civilian martyrs is shed (women, children, old and young), how can we accept co-existence again with these people?

Q: Of course the campaign against al-Suwayda’ began with clashes with groups of Bedouin. In you view co-existence with the Bedouin has become impossible?

A: Of course it has become impossible.

Q: Finally what is your message to the international community?

A: We ask the international community to stand by our demands and hurry up to end our catastrophe, release the detainees and the disappeared people, and stand with our people’s demands for self-determination. All of al-Suwayda’, in its religious men, elderly, youth and free people, supports the positions of his eminence Shaykh Abu Salman Hikmat al-Hijri. We are not al-Hijri’s gangs, we are the people of al-Suwayda’ as a whole. We are not lawless gangs, we are defending ourselves, our land and our people.

*A leading figure in the establishment of the Druze religion.

Published originally on October 4, 2023.