Druse Militias Hold Out Amid Syrian Government Transition

In the aftermath of Syria's civil war, Druse militias in Sweida resist the government's efforts to unify all armed factions under a new national army, raising concerns over the protection of minority rights and regional stability.

In the southwestern province of Sweida, a group of military recruits obeyed the commands of their instructor, Fadi Azam, who led drills in a mountainous enclave. As the sounds of gunfire echoed across the valley, the atmosphere was charged with determination and apprehension among the tens of thousands of fighters from Syria’s Druse religious minority. These local militias are crucial to the region's future amid a transitional government seeking to consolidate power after the ousting of Bashar al-Assad.

Following a civil conflict that lasted nearly 14 years, Islamist rebels established a new government in December, grappling with the need to unify various factions within the country for a stable future. However, the process has proven challenging, particularly regarding the powerful Druse militias based in the area. These groups, entrenched in the local power dynamic, are debating their potential integration into a central military force as they remain skeptical about the new administration's guarantees for the protection of minority rights.

Since January, discussions have been ongoing between the strongest Druse units and the newly formed government. Leaders of these militias express cautious optimism but demand assurances before committing to the united front envisioned by the interim leadership. With the strategic location of Sweida near Jordan and Israel, the outcome of these negotiations will be pivotal for both regional security and the future governance of Syria as they attempt to rebuild from years of conflict.