Government removes military checkpoint in Syria’s Suwayda
SUWAYDA, Syria (North Press) – Syrian government forces removed on Wednesday a military checkpoint in the city of Suwayda, southern Syria, that was set up before and led to protests.
A local source in Suwayda told North Press that a mediation took place between the government forces and the local armed groups. As a result, the government forces removed the checkpoint they had set up at al-Anqoud Roundabout.
Early in the week, the government forces set up a military checkpoint at al-Anqoud Roundabout in Suwayda city to pursue “wanted individuals” and opponents of the government forces in the area, according to information obtained by North Press correspondent.
The step infuriated the people of the city and took to the streets. The protest turned into armed clashes with the government forces and resulted in casualties between the two parties.
A source had previously told North Press that a truce was reached after mediation by local residents to give the government personnel of the checkpoint an opportunity to withdraw and to abandon establishing further checkpoints within Suwayda.
After removing the checkpoint, the government forces pledged not to set up any checkpoints in the city, according to the source.
People of Suwayda have taken to the streets for nine months to protest against the Syrian government and demand a political change, the overthrow of the Syrian “regime”, and the implementation of the UNSC Resolution 2254.
The anti-government protests began in mid-September 2023, fueled by the deteriorating political, economic, and security conditions in Suwayda. The government’s policies have led to systematic economic restrictions, displacement, frequent price hikes, support for criminal gangs, and the proliferation of drug trafficking.
By Murhaf al-Shaer