Security tensions continued to escalate in Syria’s southern Suwayda province this week as armed groups affiliated with the National Guard militia prevented students from traveling to Damascus for official examinations, despite government efforts to facilitate their transportation and accommodation.
According to local sources cited by Syria TV, National Guard members blocked buses scheduled to transport students and closed the Damascus-Suwayda road at the Umm al-Zaytoun checkpoint. Parents reported receiving threats of arrest and violence if they attempted to send their children to examination centers in Damascus. Several transport companies operating on the route told Syria TV they had been warned not to organize trips until the examination period concludes.
Suwayda Governor Mustafa al-Bakour said authorities coordinated with transport companies, security agencies and service providers to ensure students could reach examination centers safely. He stated transportation, accommodation and food had been arranged for students staying in Jaramana, Sahnaya and Ashrafieh Sahnaya during the examination period.
Internal Security Director Suleiman Abdulbaqi told Syria’s Al-Ikhbariya channel that over 1,000 security personnel were deployed along the Damascus-Suwayda highway to secure the route. He accused what he described as “armed internal gangs” of threatening students with weapons and obstructing access to exams. According to Abdulbaqi, around 1,500 preparatory school students had already reached Damascus, while approximately 7,400 students were scheduled to take the exams.
National Guard Faces Internal Crisis
At the same time, divisions within the Israeli-backed Hikmat al-Hijri National Guard have become increasingly visible following the reported release of three detainees held in one of the group’s detention facilities. Government officials revealed Internal Security Forces secured the release of the three individuals during a security operation. However, the National Guard rejected those claims, asserting the detainees escaped with assistance from individuals inside the organization.
The dispute triggered a wave of internal accusations and security measures. According to Syria TV and local networks, armed factions affiliated with the National Guard surrounded the group’s command headquarters in Suwayda city after the incident. Heavy gunfire was reported near the headquarters and in central areas of the city, causing concern among residents.
The National Guard announced the arrest of several individuals suspected of facilitating the escape and pledged to continue investigations. Local media outlets also reported leadership changes within the militia, including the dismissal of commander Jihad al-Ghoutani and the appointment of interim replacements, although the organization has not officially confirmed all reported changes.
Road Closures and Growing Isolation
The latest developments have reinforced concerns about restrictions on movement throughout the province. Armed groups in Shahba reportedly blocked the Damascus-Suwayda road during the recent tensions, further limiting travel between the province and the capital.
Government officials accused National Guard factions of exercising effective control over key decisions inside the province and creating an atmosphere of intimidation. Abdulbaqi said authorities would take firm action against groups operating outside state institutions, while emphasizing that any measures would seek to avoid harm to civilians.
The National Guard emerged in August 2025 through the merger of several local armed factions affiliated with Israeli-backed Hijri. Its creation, sparked debate across Syria regarding the role of armed groups operating independent of central government institutions.
As security disputes continue and competing narratives emerge from local actors and government officials, residents of Suwayda face mounting uncertainty over education, transportation and public safety. The situation remains fluid, with both sides accusing one another of undermining stability in a province that has experienced recurring tensions over the past year.
