Sweida-Damascus highway closed at Umm al-Zeitoun checkpoint

The Sweida-Damascus highway was closed in both directions at the Umm al-Zeitoun checkpoint on Saturday, October 24, 2026. The closure has halted the movement of civilians, travelers, and students on the primary route connecting the As-Suwayda governorate to the capital.

The Sweida Media Directorate attributed the closure to “outlaw groups” operating the checkpoint. Some reports suggest the blockade may be an attempt by families of detainees to pressure authorities for the release of relatives, though this has not been officially confirmed.

The checkpoint is reportedly operated by the ‘National Guard’ militia, which is affiliated with Druze spiritual leader Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri. This is not the first instance of such a closure; the highway has been blocked on several occasions over the past year, often disrupting student travel during examination periods. While the Umm al-Zeitoun checkpoint is closed, the al-Matouna checkpoint remains open and is being serviced by Internal Security Forces.