In a disturbing development underscoring the internationalization of Syria’s conflict, reports reveal the growing involvement of foreign extremist elements in the fighting against minority communities—especially the Druze population in southern Syria's Sweida province.
According to the Hezbollah-affiliated Lebanese outlet Al-Akhbar, numerous young men from northern Lebanon—particularly from the border villages of Al-Maajir, Al-Awaishat, and Al-Rama—have crossed into Syria to join Sunni Arab tribal forces aligned with a figure named Al-Shara.
These fighters are reportedly taking part in a recruitment campaign targeting Lebanon’s Sunni border youth under the guise of “tribal solidarity.” One such fighter, identified as Mustafa Mleihan, was seen in video footage before his death was announced. Several other Lebanese fighters are said to be missing, with their fates still unknown.
More alarmingly, sources indicate that jihadist fighters from Afghanistan, specifically affiliated with the Taliban, are now active in Syria. These Afghan radicals, once engaged in battles in the Panjshir Valley, are now reportedly fighting alongside Sunni extremists against the Druze in Sweida.