Druze spiritual leadership demands release of kidnapped in Sweida

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen
5 Sep 2025 05:30
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The Druze spiritual leadership in Syria’s Sweida province calls for the unconditional release of kidnapped civilians.

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Travelling in buses, Syrian Druze clerics are welcomed by members of the Druze community in Israeli-occupied territories waving their flags, as they enter the town of Majdal Shams, in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, to visit the Shrine of Prophet Nabi Shuaib, on April 25, 2025. (AP)

The spiritual leadership of the Druze community in Syria’s Sweida province issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to the kidnapped civilians held by armed groups, describing their release as a humanitarian imperative before any political consideration.

Sheikh Hikmat al-Hajri, a Druze spiritual leader, emphasized the right of local residents to reclaim their villages and lands, stating, “Rights do not lapse with time or through compromise.”

Call for international support and self-governance

Al-Hajri also called on relevant states, international organizations, and human rights associations to urgently assist in rebuilding the affected villages ahead of the winter season, ensuring residents can return safely.

He highlighted the unity and resilience of the Druze community globally, noting that they act collectively to face challenges, defend their rights, and preserve their dignity, regardless of the circumstances.

The Druze leader further stressed that local cadres and qualified personnel are prepared to manage regional affairs to ensure security, justice, and development, reflecting what he said was the community’s desire for a self-governing entity guaranteeing a dignified life.

Appeal to regional and international actors

Al-Hajri expressed gratitude to United States President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, European coalition states, Kurdish groups, and the Alawite community in Syria, while simultaneously urging the opening of international crossings to lift the blockade on Sweida residents.

Sweida province, located in southern Syria, witnessed intense clashes in July between Druze militias and Bedouin tribal forces supported by the transitional government in Damascus led by transitional President Ahmad al-Sharaa. The violence resulted in 1,531 deaths from field executions, Israeli airstrikes, and armed confrontations, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR).