Protests in Southern Syria’s Sweida Demand Political Transition and Protection for Civilians
SWEIDA, Syria (North Press) – Protesters in Sweida, southern Syria, called on Monday for an immediate political transition and denounced the ongoing attacks on Syrian cities, urging all parties to spare civilians from the conflict.
The demonstrations occurred amidst intensified clashes in northern Syria, where Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and Turkish-backed opposition factions have launched a major offensive on government-controlled areas in Aleppo and Idlib. The campaign, which began last Wednesday, has led to significant territorial gains for the opposition as government forces retreated from much of the contested region.
Voices from Sweida
A North Press correspondent reported that dozens of residents gathered in Sweida’s al-Fursan Square, marching to al-Karama Square while chanting slogans demanding freedom and a peaceful transition of power.
Protesters expressed their rejection of violence targeting civilians and condemned the military escalation in the north, which has caused widespread displacement and destruction.
During the rally, a statement from the local political committee was read, emphasizing the need to uphold the principles of the Syrian revolution:
“We must continue the national and revolutionary struggle, uphold the values of freedom, and implement UN Resolution 2254,” the statement declared.
UN Resolution 2254: A Pathway to Peace?
Resolution 2254, adopted in 2015, outlines a roadmap for Syria’s political transition, including constitutional reform and elections under UN supervision. Sweida’s demonstrators called on all Syrian factions and international powers to prioritize its implementation as a framework for resolving the conflict.
A Complex Crisis
The protests in Sweida highlight the growing frustration among civilians over the prolonged conflict and the worsening humanitarian crisis. Despite being relatively peaceful compared to other regions, Sweida has witnessed sporadic unrest and mounting demands for change.
The recent escalation in northern Syria has added another layer of complexity to the conflict. Armed opposition factions’ territorial gains have emboldened their calls for political and military leverage, while the Syrian government has faced increased pressure to respond amid accusations of civilian casualties.
Civilian Voices Amplified
Analysts view the Sweida protests as a reflection of broader discontent with the war’s devastating toll on Syrian society. Civilians continue to bear the brunt of the violence, with calls for their protection becoming a rallying cry in both local and international forums.
As tensions rise, the voices from Sweida underscore the urgency of a political solution that prioritizes civilian safety and addresses the root causes of the conflict.