Intra-Druze tensions simmer in southern Syria amid reports of cleric’s killing

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - A Druze religious cleric from Syria’s southern Suwayda province has reportedly been killed by a local paramilitary group affiliated with Druze spiritual leader Hikmat al-Hajri, Syrian state media reported on Tuesday. The claim comes two days after a video showing the cleric being assaulted by unidentified attackers went viral on Syrian social media.

In a post on X, the state-run al-Ikhbariya TV cited “local sources” in the Druze-majority province as saying that Raed al-Matni “has been killed” and that “his body was delivered to the [Suwayda] National Hospital, two days after he was detained by the so-called ‘National Guard’ - affiliated with Hikmart all-Hajri - on accusations of cooperating with the Syrian government.”

Intercommunal fighting erupted between Druze factions and Bedouin tribes in Suwayda in mid-July, escalating with the involvement of Damascus forces and Israel. In a report released later that month, the Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR) said more than 800 people were killed and over 900 injured in the violence.

A ceasefire took effect on July 19. Since then, Syrian security forces have been deployed across the province, while Druze factions have retained control of the city of Suwayda.

Another major development following the July clashes was the formation of the National Guard - a unified local Druze paramilitary force established in late August, bringing together more than 30 armed factions under the authority of Hajri, a prominent critic of Damascus who advocates for Druze self-determination.

The alleged killing of Matni comes two days after Syrian activists circulated a video showing him tied up, beaten, and having his beard forcibly shaved by gunmen purportedly linked to the National Guard.

Amid growing controversy, the National Guard issued a statement on its official Facebook page on Sunday announcing disciplinary action against two members who had “committed an act that violates military discipline and is contrary to customs and traditions.” The statement said the violations occurred during a wave of arrests targeting individuals allegedly “planning an act similar to what happened last July by bringing in terrorist gangs from Damascus” to Suwayda.

Earlier on Sunday, the Guard had published a previous statement claiming it had uncovered a “treason plot” involving “collaborators” with Damascus, adding that several “traitors and conspirators” had been arrested.

“This operation is a clear message. We will cut off the hand that extends in betrayal,” the National Guard said.

Pro-Damascus outlets reported that the arrests included Matni and five others. The home of Suwayda’s Internal Security Director, Sulaiman Abd al-Baqi - affiliated with the Damascus government - was also reportedly raided.