Al-Hijri’s ‘National Guard’ Closes Damascus Road as Barrack Accuses Druze Sheikh of Exploiting Israeli Support

The so-called “National Guard” affiliated with Druze Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri has completely closed the Damascus road, amid a dispute over remarks by US envoy Tom Barrack about Suwayda.

Barrack accused a Druze sheikh of exploiting Israeli support. His comments added to the controversy surrounding his characterization of economic activity in Suwayda.

The US envoy said Suwayda “lives off drug manufacturing,” a claim rejected by the “Bashan Administration.”

The road closure and the rejection of Barrack’s remarks came at the same time. No details were provided about the reason for the closure, its expected duration or the terms for reopening the route.