The city of Suwayda, nestled in southern Syria, continues to stand as a symbol of peaceful resistance against the Assad regime, marking over a year of persistent protest that has revitalized the spirit of the Syrian revolution. What began as a response to economic grievances has evolved into a determined political uprising, challenging the regime’s efforts to suppress dissent.
On August 17, 2023, Suwayda’s residents took to Karama Square to protest a sharp increase in fuel prices, a move that exacerbated already dire economic conditions. The protests quickly transcended economic demands, evolving into a broader call for political change, including the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2254, the release of detainees, and the expulsion of foreign powers from Syria.
Over the past year, Suwayda, home to the Druze minority, has become a focal point of resistance, challenging the Assad regime’s narrative that the Syrian revolution is a sectarian conflict rather than a nationwide call for freedom and dignity. Protesters have torn down images of Bashar al-Assad, stormed Baath Party headquarters, and embraced the revolutionary slogans of 2011, all while maintaining a commitment to nonviolence.
Despite its peaceful nature, the Suwayda movement has faced significant challenges. Regime forces have targeted the protests on several occasions, resulting in casualties and further escalating tensions. There have been kidnappings and assassinations, and the most recent developments have seen a significant increase in regime security measures, including the establishment of new checkpoints at strategic locations such as the Al-Anqoud roundabout at the northern entrance to Suwayda.
These checkpoints, reinforced with concrete barriers and dirt berms, are manned by a combination of State Security, Air Force Intelligence, and Military Intelligence personnel. The regime claims these measures are aimed at “combating terrorism” and drug smuggling, but local residents and activists view them as a prelude to a potential crackdown.
On August 19, 2024, the Men of Dignity Movement, a prominent armed faction in Suwayda, issued a stern warning to members of the regime’s cluster checkpoint security services. During a military convoy that included dozens of vehicles, the movement made it clear that any violations against civilians would not be tolerated. The convoy traveled from Suwayda to the towns of Attil and Qanawat before returning to the Al-Anqoud checkpoint, where the warning was delivered.
This action followed a recent escalation in tensions, with Sheikh Yahya Al-Hajjar, leader of the Men of Dignity Movement, threatening to launch a new military campaign against local armed groups involved in theft, kidnapping, or any actions that deviate from the directives of Suwayda’s religious leaders. Al-Hajjar emphasized the need for adherence to the customs and traditions of the region, warning that any group that strays from these principles would face severe consequences.
The speech by Al-Hajjar came just days after Salim Hamid, a figure with ties to the Assad regime’s Military Intelligence, formed a new armed group in the town of Mafala. Hamid’s group has openly threatened peaceful demonstrators, claiming allegiance to President Bashar al-Assad. This move has heightened concerns among Suwayda’s residents, who view it as another attempt by the regime to destabilize the region and undermine the protest movement.
As Suwayda enters its second year of protest, the movement faces an increasingly uncertain future. The Assad regime’s recent actions, including the installation of new checkpoints and the bolstering of military presence in the region, suggest that a more aggressive response may be on the horizon. The Men of Dignity Movement’s warning to the regime and its local proxies signals a potential escalation in the conflict, as Suwayda’s residents continue to resist both external and internal threats to their movement.
As Hadi Al-Bahra, head of the Syrian National Coalition (SNC), noted on the movement’s anniversary, “The people of Suwayda have provided a distinctive model for the continuation of the peaceful revolution seeking to achieve political transition in the country. Their struggle is a reminder that the Syrian revolution is alive and that the Syrian people will not give up their demands for freedom and democracy.”
