Recent developments in Syria’s southern Suwayda province have heightened tensions as government forces send military reinforcements to the region amid ongoing peaceful protests demanding political transition and the removal of the Assad regime.
The Suwayda Protests, which have been ongoing, for over ten months, have been marked by their peaceful nature and the demand for significant political changes. Demonstrators have consistently hoisted both the flag of the Druze and the Syrian revolution, showcasing a unity of purpose in their calls for change. Songs and chants associated with Syria’s revolutionary movement since 2011 have echoed through the protests, underscoring the depth of discontent with the current regime.
However, the Assad regime’s response to these peaceful demonstrations has been concerning. Recent weeks have seen an escalation in government actions, with military personnel, including Assad loyalists and Iranian sectarian militias, deployed to the semi-autonomous region. This move has raised fears of potential violence and clashes as local groups in Suwayda express their readiness to defend themselves if necessary, while still advocating for peaceful resistance.
“Suwayda has become a symbol of resilience and determination in the face of oppression,” remarked Hikmat al-Hajiri, leader of the Druze religious group in Suwayda. “Despite the regime’s attempts to suppress our voices, we remain steadfast in our demand for freedom and justice.”
However, the Assad regime’s response to these peaceful demonstrations has been concerning. In the past weeks, the Assad regime has deployed military reinforcements to Suwayda Province on multiple occasions. On April 29, 2024, government forces sent tanks and over 50 vehicles carrying hundreds of soldiers to the region. These reinforcements were deployed to military airports such as Khalkhalah and al-Tha’laba and to various regiments including 127 (special forces), 404, 44, 405, and 157.
Additionally, branches of military intelligence, state security, political security, air force security, brigade 50, military police, law enforcement, emergency police, and criminal security were backed by these reinforcements. This move shows the regime’s escalating response to the peaceful protests in Suwayda, raising concerns about the potential for further violence and instability in the region.
“The regime’s deployment of military personnel to Suwayda demonstrates its disregard for the will of the people,” stated journalist and director of the Intifada Media Center in Suwayda, Murhaf Al-Shaer. “Instead of engaging in meaningful dialogue with protesters, the regime has chosen to escalate tensions and resort to force.”
The ongoing escalation of the Assad regime’s actions has raised fears of potential violence and clashes as local groups in Suwayda express their readiness to defend themselves if necessary, while still advocating for peaceful resistance. “The people of Suwayda are peaceful patriots, but we will not hesitate to defend our county, dignity, and rights if threatened,” emphasized al-Hajiri.
Al-Shaer observes that Iran may also play a role in the recent events unfolding in Suwayda, “It appears that there is Iranian pressure on some security services, especially since some of the transferred members belong to the Quds Force.” The risk of a clash in Suwayda has implications not only for Syria but also for neighboring countries like Jordan, potentially exacerbating regional instability and further entrenching Iran’s influence in the area.
