Druze militias prepare for conflict amid rising tensions with Syrian government

In Syria, the Druze community, which comprises 3% of the country's population, has been increasingly wary of the new government leadership's intentions. Despite leaders vowing to disband all militias, the Druze have not reached an agreement and are mobilizing combatants in anticipation of potential conflict. Historically, the Druze have maintained a fierce independence in the predominantly Sunni Muslim country, which has seen rising sectarian violence, complicating efforts to create a unified national identity. Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, the Druze spiritual leader, expressed concerns over the lack of consensus with the Damascus government while emphasizing the importance of respecting minority rights in Syria’s future. In response to escalating sectarian violence, Druze leaders have been proactive in ensuring the safety of their community members. They relocated over 1,200 Druze students from universities along the coast after attacks on Alawite communities, showcasing their commitment to the safety of not only their own but other minority groups as well. This evacuation reflects the growing distrust among minority groups towards the central government and their willingness to form alliances for mutual protection. As tensions have risen, Israel has expressed its readiness to intervene militarily to protect the Druze if they are threatened by the Syrian regime. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that the government would face severe consequences should it harm the Druze. This stance might complicate the already tenuous relationship between the Syrian government and the Druze community, which doesn't seek independence but desires a form of governance that ensures their dignity and rights within the framework of a united Syria. The Druze militias are currently holding recruitment rallies in various villages, calling upon men and teenagers to join their ranks as part of their preparation to defend against government incursions. The Druze leadership emphasizes a collective identity tied to their land and community, reflecting a resolve to protect their way of life amid a backdrop of increasing violence and instability in Syria.