ROCHELLE JUNIOR

AS-SWEIDA_The statements attributed to US envoy Tom Barrack regarding the existence of drug and Captagon factories in As-Sweidastirred the discontent of the city's residents, amid rejection of what they considered false accusations and a distortion of As-Suwayda's history and its cultural and social heritage.

In response to these statements, the "Bashan Administration," which represents the local authority in the Syrian city of As-Suwayda, issued an official statement through its media office, denouncing what it described as lies and false accusations contained in Tom Barrack's recent statements.

The city's women also expressed their rejection of these statements, considering that they portray As-Sweidaas a hotbed for the spread of drugs, in complete disregard for its ancient history and its cultural and social status, confirming that its people reject this phenomenon and fight its spread.

"False Accusations That May Be Used as a Pretext for Government Entry"

In this context, Ghada Al-Faqih said that the people of As-Sweidareject the accusation of an entire community of being linked to drugs, confirming that the city is known for its culture and art. She added that the existence of individual cases does not justify generalizing accusations against the entire community.

She linked these statements to the escalating calls demanding separation from Syria, noting that the attacks to which As-Sweidawas subjected, and what she considered an absence of support and condemnation, contributed to deepening the rift with the Syrian interim government and other components, reaching the point of questioning the possibility of continued coexistence under the current circumstances.

For her part, Slaf Malak confirmed her rejection of the accusations related to the existence of Captagon factories in As-Suwayda, considering them "false accusations" that may be used as a pretext for the interim government to enter the region under the title of "combating drugs."

She noted that the people of As-Sweidalaunched awareness campaigns to confront the spread of drugs since the era of the previous Baath regime, when this phenomenon worsened in various regions of the country.

Political Dimensions Behind the Statements

For her part, Rajaa Mahasen criticized Tom Barrack's statements, noting that he had previously visited As-Sweidaand closely examined the field conditions and the suffering of residents during the July 2025 massacres, but his subsequent positions came completely different from what he observed on the ground.

She wondered how drugs could reach the city under the siege imposed on it, questioning the accusations related to cultivating, manufacturing, or exporting narcotic substances from the region.

Rajaa Mahasen denounced the political dimensions behind those positions, declaring her opposition to any encroachment on the religious symbols in As-Suwayda, which she described as the fortress expressing the voice of society.