Suwayda residents protest U.S.-Jordan support for Damascus
SUWAYDA, Syria (North Press) – Residents of Suwayda staged a protest on Saturday in al-Karama Square, rejecting what they described as the alignment of the United States and Jordan with the Syrian government. Demonstrators also reiterated calls for the right to self-determination and the release of abducted residents.
The demonstration came in response to the recently announced U.S.-Jordan-Syria roadmap, which activists in Suwayda say disregards the demands and aspirations of the local population. The initiative, they argue, fails to represent communities in southern Syria that continue to call for accountability and justice.
Riham Awad, an activist from Suwayda, told North Press that the “American-Jordanian-Syrian roadmap ignores the people of Suwayda and does not represent them.” She emphasized that international support for the Syrian government contradicts the realities faced by locals in the southern province.
Awad further noted that “support by the United States and Jordan for the Syrian government, which committed violations against the people of Suwayda, is unacceptable.” Protesters raised banners denouncing external support for Damascus while highlighting ongoing challenges facing the province, including kidnappings and restrictions on movement.
Khaled al-Halabi, one of the participants in the protest, told North Press, “We reiterate today the same demands we have always called for: first, the right to self-determination; second, the release of all abductees; and third, the opening of a humanitarian crossing into the governorate.”
Saturday’s demonstration once again highlighted the determination of residents to assert their demands despite limited international attention. Protesters dispersed peacefully, vowing to continue their gatherings until their calls are addressed.