Syrian Consul in Dubai defects from Transitional Government

The Syrian Consul in Dubai, Ziad Zahreddine, has announced his defection from Syria’s Transitional Government, citing his rejection of what he described as a “barbaric assault and acts of ethnic cleansing and genocide” committed in Sweida by forces affiliated with the Transitional Government.

19 October, 2025 22:41

NEWS DESK

Zahreddine stressed that the people of Sweida, under the leadership of Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, are the ones who have the right to determine their own destiny.

In a statement released on Sunday, October 19, 2025, Zahreddine declared his resignation from the government, marking the first defection of a Syrian diplomat in the United Arab Emirates since the fall of the former regime in December 2024.

In a video address to the people of Jabal al-Arab, Zahreddine stated that he “no longer considers himself part of this authority” and has “ceased all official duties under its administration.”

He expressed solidarity with the people of Sweida, praising them for having “revived the legacy of their ancestors through their struggles, sacrifices, and heroism.”

The consul further said that Sweida was subjected to a barbaric attack and acts of ethnic cleansing and genocide carried out by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, in cooperation with ISIS, and “with the knowledge and coordination of senior figures within the Damascus authority.”

Zahreddine emphasized that “the future and identity of the Druze community will be determined solely by its own people and leadership, led by the spiritual head, Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri.” He concluded by underscoring that “humanitarian issues are not subject to negotiation or political blackmail,” calling on local and international bodies to lift the siege on Sweida, liberate the mountain villages, and secure the release of abductees.

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ANHA