Druze Leader Retracts Surrender Statement: “We Will Not Submit to Humiliation
According to the English section of webangah News Agency, citing Mehr News Agency and Russia Today, Hikmat al-Hajri, the spiritual leader of Syria’s Druze, announced on Tuesday that a humiliating statement had been forced upon him. He warned that the Druze in Syria face war and slaughter.
In a video message, al-Hajri said his earlier statement was issued under pressure from Damascus and foreign countries. He described negotiations with Damascus as neither productive nor sincere.
Al-Hajri added that despite issuing the humiliating declaration, attacks against civilians have continued. He stressed: “Today we will either be all children of Syria who refuse humiliation or live under disgrace for decades to come. Everyone must take an honorable position today so it is recorded in history. We must stand against these savage attacks.”
Hours earlier, following al-Hajri’s announcement of the city’s surrender, forces loyal to Jalani entered Suwayda without important resistance.
The spiritual leader had welcomed the entry of ministry of Interior and Defense forces to establish control over Suwayda. He called on local groups not to resist and urged them to hand over their weapons to the Interior Ministry.
Previously, al-Hajri vowed not to remain silent about crimes committed against Druze residents in this city. Notably, intense clashes between Druze factions and militias affiliated with Jalani’s terrorist regime over three days have resulted in more than 100 deaths and 200 injuries.
