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Demands for Sweida Federalism in Response to HTS Control Attempts
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Federal demands represent a strategic option for the governorate to protect itself from attempts to impose control by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham
Bahaa Al-Jamal, operations commander of the Druze Unitarian sect in Sweida, issued firm statements confirming the governorate's absolute rejection of any external interventions, warning of resorting to the federal option in response to control attempts.
Al-Jamal revealed, in an interview with "Rudaw" channel, a failed attempt by forces affiliated with "Abu Muhammad al-Jolani," leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham/Al-Nusra Front, to infiltrate the governorate during New Year's celebrations, describing it as "deceptive and malicious" for not coordinating with governorate leadership and the spiritual leadership.
The Druze leader highlighted the governorate's reliance on its own resources and support from its people, denying receiving or seeking any external support, while calling for an international position supporting the governorate in facing current challenges.
He conveyed the position of the spiritual leadership and His Eminence Sheikh Abu Salman Hikmat Al-Hijri explicitly rejecting any external interventions at present, confirming the governorate's possession of qualified military capabilities and cadres to maintain security.
He described the general situation in Syria as unstable, emphasizing the rejection of any organization or armed faction's intervention in governorate affairs, regardless of force size, affirming Sweida's pivotal role in southern Syria.
Al-Jamal warned of the possibility of escalating the situation to a "revolution upon revolution" if any authority attempts to impose itself on the governorate, noting that while this option isn't currently on the table, it remains viable if pressured.
These firm positions reflect a clear strategic vision of Sweida's leadership in dealing with Syria's transitional phase, where the governorate upholds its right to manage internal affairs and protect its specificity.
Political analysts view Sweida's position as a practical model for implementing the federal system in Syria, as the governorate possesses self-administration components and security and military capabilities qualifying it to maintain stability.
The rejection of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham forces' entry indicates deep awareness of the risks of allowing extremist organizations to penetrate the governorate's social fabric, especially given these organizations' ideological background and links to Al-Qaeda.
Al-Jamal concluded his statements with firm emphasis on rejecting any attempts to impose external control over "the Mountain," while stressing the approach of avoiding violence and bloodshed, indicating the local leadership's wisdom in crisis management.
Levant-Agencies
