03.12.2025 06:35
It has been reported that Druze Sheikh Mahir Felhut was killed by armed groups affiliated with Hikmet al-Hajri in Syria's Suwayda province. It was stated that the incident occurred after the torture and murder of Sheikh Raid al-Metni, one of the prominent figures of the Druze community. On the other hand, Leys al-Belus, one of the leaders of the Honorable Men Society in Suwayda province, claimed that the forces affiliated with Hajri were collaborating with the agents of the ousted leader Bashar al-Assad's regime.
It has been reported that Druz Sheikh Mahir Felhut was killed by "gangs" affiliated with Hikmet al-Hecri, a leader of some Druze in Syria's Suwayda province.
KILLED 2 DAYS AFTER BEING ABDUCTED
In a report by Syrian state television Al-Ikhbariya, based on local sources, it was stated that Felhut was killed two days after being abducted in Suwayda by the so-called National Guards affiliated with Hecri. The report noted that the incident occurred after Sheikh Raid al-Metni, one of the prominent figures in the Druze community in Suwayda, was tortured to death by the "so-called National Guard gangs" in the city.
ALLEGATIONS OF COOPERATION WITH ASSAD REGIME'S MEN
Leys al-Belus, one of the leaders of the Honorable Men Community (Tecemmuu Rical el-Kerame) in Suwayda, also stated in an interview with Al-Ikhbariyya that the forces affiliated with Hecri are cooperating with the men of the ousted leader Bashar Assad's regime. Belus said, "The manner of Sheikh Raid al-Metni's killing is very disgusting and is a behavior that has entered our community later."
IRREVERSIBLE PATH
Belus expressed concerns about the individuals currently held by the so-called National Guards in Suwayda, stating that the so-called National Guards led by Hikmet al-Hecri have entered an irreversible path, and their actions have been rejected and condemned by the local population. He reported that the so-called National Guards are cooperating with the Assad regime's men in Suwayda, and that Hikmet al-Hecri accuses anyone who communicates with the current Syrian state of treason. Regarding the religious authorities in the province, Belus stated that the religious authorities have confirmed their support for the state, while Hecri has used the events in Suwayda to accuse these authorities of treason against the homeland.
Belus emphasized that the tension in Suwayda is a result of the remnants of the ousted regime's oppression in the province, warning about the presence of influential figures who speak on behalf of the province and are remnants of the Assad regime. Describing Hecri as "the top leader of the figures oppressing Suwayda," Belus stated that the collapse of the figures who hold the province under their control is now inevitable.
In the last two days, videos showing Sheikh Metni, who was abducted by Hecri's forces, being tortured have been circulating on social media platforms. The "Honorable Men Community" is an armed movement established in 2013 in Suwayda, led by Leys's father, Vahid al-Belus. The community was formed to prevent Druze youth from being conscripted in the war waged by the Assad regime against the Syrians and to maintain the sect's neutrality.
WHAT HAPPENED?
In a report by the Syrian official news agency SANA yesterday, it was stated that Sheikh Raid al-Metni, a prominent figure in the Druze community in Suwayda, was abducted from his home two days ago by armed Druze groups led by Hikmet al-Hecri, who is supported by Israel, and was tortured to death. Armed groups in Suwayda occasionally carry out attacks against Syrian security forces as well.
THE LATEST SITUATION IN SUWAYDA
On July 13, clashes occurred between Bedouin Arab tribes and Druze armed groups in Suwayda province in southern Syria. Dozens of soldiers were killed in attacks by Druze groups on Syrian security forces deployed to the region. After the escalation of clashes between security forces and local armed Druze groups, a ceasefire was established between the parties.
While the ceasefire was quickly broken, the Israeli army carried out attacks targeting Syrian security forces under the pretext of protecting the Druze. On July 16, Israeli air forces struck the Syrian presidential complex, the General Staff, and the Ministry of Defense. On the same day in Suwayda, a ceasefire was re-established between the government and local groups, while Israeli warplanes carried out attacks on Damascus and Daraa.
On September 16, Syrian Foreign Minister Assad Hasan Shaybani, Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman al-Safadi, and the U.S. Ambassador to Ankara and Special Representative for Syria Tom Barrack met at the Tishreen Palace in the capital Damascus, announcing that they had agreed on a joint roadmap for the events in Suwayda. The roadmap stated that "those who harm civilians and their property will be investigated and held accountable in full coordination with the international system, humanitarian and medical aid will be delivered uninterrupted to Suwayda, compensation will be paid to the affected, villages and towns will be repaired, and the return of displaced persons will be facilitated."