Suwayda armed clashes disrupt exceptional student exams

Armed clashes erupted in Suwayda, Syria, between local factions and the ‘Security Office’ of the National Guard, led by Salman al-Hajri. The violence, which involved gunfire and projectiles, resulted in several injuries and damage to residential properties. Reports indicate the conflict may have stemmed from personal disputes during a wedding.

The security situation significantly disrupted the commencement of an exceptional examination session for basic and high school students. Local authorities reported that armed groups blocked student buses and prevented them from reaching exam centers in the northern countryside. This interference led to physical altercations between students, families, and militia members, as well as the destruction of civilian vehicles.

In response to the instability, Suwayda Governor Mustafa al-Bakur announced a temporary delay in the start of the exams to ensure student safety. While some students managed to reach designated centers in the northern rural areas, many others were unable to travel due to checkpoints and militia activity. Security forces, civil defense, and the Red Crescent were deployed to secure main roads, including the Suwayda-Damascus route, to facilitate movement.