Caution over collaboration: Druze factions eye transitional leadership closely

The two largest Druze factions in Syria, based in the southern province of Sweida, have announced their willingness to join a new national army following the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad last month by a coalition of rebel forces. 

However, the groups emphasized they will not disarm until sufficient guarantees are provided by the new leadership of Hay'at Tahrir al-Cham (HTC).

In a joint statement released on Monday, the Men of Dignity Movement and the Mountain Brigade, Sweida’s most prominent military groups, declared their readiness to integrate into a unified military structure under a national framework.

“We, the Men of Dignity Movement and the Mountain Brigade, the two largest military factions in Sweida, declare our full readiness to integrate into a military structure under the banner of a new national army whose purpose is to protect Syria,” the groups stated.

Despite their willingness to cooperate, the Druze factions have expressed reservations about the intentions and policies of HTC, the Islamist group leading the transitional government. 

The factions have made it clear that disarmament will only occur once guarantees are provided regarding their safety and the inclusivity of the new government.

The Druze community, which has largely maintained autonomy throughout Syria’s civil war, is observing the transitional leadership’s actions with caution. Concerns remain about the role of Islamist ideologies in the governance of post-Assad Syria and their potential impact on minority rights.

A History of Autonomy

The province of Sweida, predominantly Druze, has remained relatively autonomous during the years of conflict in Syria. Its local factions, including the Men of Dignity Movement and the Mountain Brigade, have focused on protecting their communities rather than actively engaging in the broader civil war. 

This autonomy has enabled Sweida to avoid much of the widespread devastation seen in other regions of Syria.

However, with Assad’s removal and the emergence of a new political order, Sweida’s factions are now grappling with how to position themselves within a unified national framework without compromising their autonomy or security.

The cautious stance of Sweida’s Druze factions underscores the challenges facing Syria’s new transitional government. Unifying the country’s diverse military factions under a cohesive national army requires addressing deep-seated mistrust and providing assurances to minority groups.

The integration of the Druze factions into a national military framework could be a significant step toward stability and national unity, but their concerns highlight the delicate balance the transitional authorities must maintain to ensure inclusivity and trust.