Syrian poet is shot dead in Suwayda by gunmen linked to Druze leader
Gunmen opened fire on Anwar Al-Shaer in the village of Bousan on Sunday night, according to local media. Reports indicate that the attack was carried out by the so-called “National Guard,” an outlaw faction affiliated with al-Hijri, reportedly in response to criticism of his militia.
Medical sources said Al-Shaer’s body was taken to the National Hospital in Suwayda with three gunshot wounds, including one to the head. Citing local accounts, the poet’s final social media post criticized the outlaw groups, describing them as a “tail” left behind by the former regime in Suwayda.
The assassination follows roughly two weeks after the deaths of religious figures Raed al-Mutni and Maher Falhout, who reportedly died under torture after being detained by a faction associated with al-Hijri’s forces.
Separately, state media reported that rebel groups in Suwayda fired mortar shells at Syrian security positions in the Tel Hadid area, marking a violation of the ongoing ceasefire.
The Druze community in Suwayda has three religious authorities—Hikmat al-Hijri, Hammoud Yahya al-Hinnawi, and Yusuf Jarbou’—whose positions sometimes differ. Followers of al-Hijri constitute a minority and are not considered representative of the broader Druze community in the province.
Suwayda has observed a ceasefire since July 19, following a week of clashes between Druze factions and Bedouin tribes that left hundreds dead.
Since Bashar al-Assad’s removal in late 2024, Syria’s new administration has implemented measures to restore security, pursued political and economic reforms, promoted social cohesion, and sought greater cooperation with regional and international partners. Assad, who ruled Syria for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia in December, ending the Baath Party’s six-decade rule. A transitional administration led by President Ahmad al-Sharaa was established in January.
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