The Spiritual Leadership for Unitarian Muslims, commonly known as the Druze, affirmed on the evening of Saturday, May 3, 2025, the outcomes of a recent meeting held two days prior. This meeting included notable figures such as Sheikh Hikmat al-Hajri, the spiritual leader of the Unitarian Muslims, along with Sheikhs of Reason—Sheikh Youssef Jarbu', Sheikh Hamoud al-Hinnawi—Prince Hassan al-Atrash, Prince Yahya Amer, Atef Henedi, Wasim Azz El-Din, and representatives from various military factions.
According to a statement released on the leadership's Facebook page, the following agreements were established:
- Activating the internal security forces (police) from former members of the internal security forces, and activating the civil police from the local population of the Sweida governorate exclusively, in a voluntary manner.
- Removing barriers from the Sweida regions, including Jrmanah, Sahnaia, and Ashrafieh Sahnaia, and restoring normalcy to these areas immediately.
- Securing the Damascus-Sweida road and ensuring its safety and security under the authority's responsibility.
- Ceasing all firing in the affected regions.
- Any declaration that contradicts or exceeds these points will be considered unilateral.
Earlier in the day, the governor of Sweida, Dr. Mustafa al-Bakour, confirmed that the agreement reached with the Druze dignitaries remains in effect and will be implemented step by step. He mentioned that minor adjustments had been made to the agreement points to accommodate requests from various parties, facilitating and expediting the return of security and stability to Sweida.
In his comments to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), Bakour stated, "The meeting that took place in Sweida is not an agreement between Sweida and the government, but rather an initiative from the Sheikhs of Reason and some dignitaries in the governorate aimed at controlling the security situation and protecting people's rights and properties." He emphasized that the efforts of the Syrian state to address the issues in Sweida are ongoing, noting that they are close to reaping the benefits of their hard work.
Bakour also highlighted the importance of the Druze community as an integral part of the Syrian social fabric, reaffirming the Sheikhs of Reason's statement rejecting foreign interference and emphasizing the need to resolve internal issues within Syria.
This development comes amid escalating security tensions in the Sweida governorate and the Damascus countryside. Recently, the Sweida governorate announced a preliminary agreement to halt hostilities in the regions of Jrmanah and Ashrafieh Sahnaia, following a series of clashes that resulted in civilian and military casualties.
The roots of the crisis can be traced back to clashes in Jrmanah and Sahnaia, where a significant number of the Druze community resides. These tensions were ignited by a leaked audio recording allegedly featuring a member of the Druze community making derogatory remarks about the Prophet Muhammad, which sparked widespread anger.
In response, security forces intervened to restore calm, coordinating with local dignitaries and establishing security checkpoints on main roads. However, armed groups operating outside the law launched attacks on security points, resulting in the deaths of 16 members of the general security forces and several civilians, as reported by the Ministries of Interior and Health.
As part of the ongoing efforts to stabilize the region, the Druze community leaders have expressed their commitment to maintaining unity and rejecting any form of separation or division from the Syrian state. They have called for the activation of the Ministry of Interior and civil police roles in the governorate, ensuring that personnel are recruited from the local population.
In light of these developments, the Spiritual Leadership for Unitarian Muslims aims to restore normalcy to the affected areas and ensure the safety and security of all residents. The leadership's commitment to resolving conflicts internally reflects a broader desire for stability within the region.
As the situation evolves, many are watching closely to see how these agreements will be implemented and whether they will lead to lasting peace in the Sweida governorate and beyond. The Druze community's proactive stance in addressing these issues is a vital step towards fostering a more stable and harmonious society.
