Al-Qaeda Leader Al-Julani Targets Syrian Druze Amid Rising Israel-Syria Tensions

Tensions between Israel and Syria have escalated recently, coinciding with renewed hostilities by Al-Qaeda leader Abu Mohammad al-Julani against the Druze community in Syria. After a period of relative calm, al-Julani's forces have resumed actions that disrupt the Druze population, particularly in the southern Syrian province of As-Suwayda.

On Sunday, dozens of people blocked the road connecting Damascus to the Druze region, preventing civilians, including students, from traveling to the capital. This move was seen as an attempt to obstruct Druze students from reaching examination centers in northern rural areas. Local Syrian sources reported that authorities refused to allow students from As-Suwayda to attend exams despite a special order from al-Julani granting them an alternative exam date.

While civilian vehicles were stopped, trucks carrying food, fuel, and flour from Damascus were permitted to pass toward As-Suwayda. The situation has been deteriorating for months; three months ago, Druze students were entirely barred from leaving the province, and many Druze who attempted to leave were reportedly kidnapped or killed by al-Julani's security forces. The leader issued a special decree to allow students to take exams at a later date, but this has not prevented continued restrictions.

Experts warn that if the crisis persists without solutions such as recognition of diplomas, local exams under neutral supervision, or international assistance, thousands of young Druze in As-Suwayda face losing an academic year, dropping out, or forced migration. The renewed targeting of the Druze community appears linked to the broader escalation between Syria and Israel, raising concerns about the stability and future of this minority group in southern Syria.