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Protest Leads to Partial Closure of Damascus–Sweida Road as Displaced Residents Demand Return
Dozens of civilians from villages in western rural Sweida who were displaced from their homes gathered on the Damascus–Sweida road on Sunday. They held a sit-in that led to a partial closure of the road, demanding the necessary conditions for their return to their villages and homes, as well as the withdrawal of forces affiliated with the authorities that remain stationed in several of those areas.
Local sources told *Sweida Press* that calls for the sit-in had circulated on social media on Saturday, urging displaced residents from the villages to gather and demand their right to return to their areas.
According to the sources, the sit-in lasted several hours. A number of cars and buses were prevented from passing, while vehicles transporting essential supplies—including flour, food, and fuel—were allowed through.
The sources added that several cars and buses were forced to turn back, causing intermittent traffic disruptions and delays for travelers using the main road connecting Sweida and Damascus.
The protest comes amid the continued displacement of residents from several villages. For months, residents have been calling for guarantees that would allow them to return safely to their homes and for the withdrawal of forces stationed in the villages, arguing that the ongoing military presence prevents their return.
At the same time, road closures—even partial ones—place additional burdens on civilians, particularly patients, university students, employees, and truck drivers. They also impede travel between Sweida and Damascus, requiring protest organizers to ensure, as far as possible, that civilians can continue to pass.
Local sources told *Sweida Press* that reports claiming the sit-in coincided with preventing secondary and preparatory-stage students from leaving Sweida to sit their exams in the northern countryside were untrue. The sources clarified that no exams were scheduled for Sunday and that they are due to begin in approximately one week.
While displaced residents insist on their right to return to their villages and homes, road users are calling for freedom of movement on public roads to be maintained. According to the residents, the return of displaced people ultimately depends on providing genuine security guarantees and addressing the causes of displacement—foremost among them, the withdrawal of forces stationed in their areas.
