An armed group of Druze, known as 'Men of the Hijri', stormed the Education Directorate in Sweida, southern Syria, resulting in the kidnapping of the new director, Safwan Blan. The incident took place just hours after Blan was appointed by the Syrian government, where he announced his resignation from the position at the request of Sheikh Hekmat al-Hijri.
The armed group, affiliated with the 'National Guard''s security office, entered the directorate and fired shots into the air, forcing employees to close their offices. Local media reported that the number of attackers was around six armed men, and the incident was filmed and shared on the 'Sweida24' platform on Facebook, showing employees exiting the building amid chaos.
Details of the Incident
This incident comes in the context of protests against the Minister of Education's decision to appoint Safwan Blan as the new director, replacing the former director, Layla Fadlallah Jahjah. The storming was announced on Monday, with the attackers heading to the offices and demanding employees leave the building. Amid the chaos, one of the attackers used a military pistol to fire shots into the air to disperse the crowd.
After the storming, Blan went to the 'Police Command Headquarters' to file an official report against the assailants, where he confirmed in a Facebook post his resignation from the position, indicating that it was done 'in accordance with Sheikh Hekmat al-Hijri's decision'.
Background & Context
The province of Sweida is experiencing increasing tensions due to political and security divisions, with the 'Supreme Legal Committee' formed in August 2025 to manage the province's affairs independently from the Syrian government, following clashes in the area. Sheikh Hekmat al-Hijri, who leads this committee, seeks to establish autonomy for the Druze in Sweida, complicating the security situation further.
Sweida, known for its sectarian diversity, faces living and security challenges due to the precarious political situation. In recent years, the region has witnessed a rise in armed activities, raising concerns about worsening security conditions.
Impact & Consequences
This incident is part of a broader campaign aimed at undermining state institutions in Sweida, according to statements from Druze leader Laith al-Bal'ous. Bal'ous warned that these actions pose a threat to stability in the province, calling on the local community to take a firm stance against such practices.
The kidnapping and storming reflect the increasing tensions between armed groups and official authorities, which could lead to greater security escalation in the region. These events may also affect relations between different sects in Sweida, further complicating the security landscape.
Regional Significance
The events in Sweida serve as an indicator of the security challenges facing Syria amid ongoing conflicts. The situation in Sweida could have repercussions for other areas, as chaos may increase if these tensions are not addressed effectively.
In a broader context, the events in Sweida reflect the complex situation many Arab countries face, where sectarian and political dimensions intertwine, making it more difficult to achieve stability.