Suwayda groups block Damascus-Suwayda highway in Syria

Armed groups affiliated with Druze spiritual leader Hikmat al-Hajri have blocked the main Damascus-Suwayda highway in southern Syria. The blockade, centered at the Um ez-Zeytun checkpoint in the northern countryside, began on Friday night and continued into Saturday morning.

Kutayba Azzam, the Director of Media Relations for Suwayda, stated that the action has stranded hundreds of citizens and commercial vehicles, severely impacting local living conditions. He reported that fuel prices in the region have surged by over 100% as traders exploit the disruption.

The groups claim the blockade is a protest to demand information regarding the fate of missing and detained individuals. However, Azzam noted that the Syrian government has previously expressed willingness to resolve such matters through legal channels and accused the groups of continuing to hold civilians against their will, including Civil Defense volunteer Hamza al-Ammarin.