Armed groups block key road linking Syria's Sweida to Damascus amid renewed tensions

DAMASCUS, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- The main highway connecting Syria's southern Sweida province with the capital Damascus was blocked on Saturday amid a protest over detainees and missing persons, as tensions persist between Damascus and local armed factions in the predominantly Druze province.

Smoke rises while Syrian security forces sit in the back of a truck as troops entered Sweida city on Tuesday. (File photo via China Daily)

Azzam said internal security forces stationed at the nearby al-Matouna checkpoint continued to facilitate movement, accusing the groups controlling Um al-Zaytoun of obstructing travel.

However, local news outlet Enab Baladi reported that relatives of detainees and missing persons had gathered at the checkpoint to demand the release of their family members and information about those whose whereabouts remain unknown.

The latest closure comes amid a prolonged security and political standoff in Sweida. It witnessed deadly clashes involving Druze armed factions, Bedouin groups and government forces in July 2025, leaving hundreds dead and forcing residents to flee their homes while others were arrested. Much of the province has since remained under the control of local Druze factions.

On Oct. 7, dozens of demonstrators gathered in Sweida city and took part in a vehicle procession displaying Israeli flags and portraits of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, drawing criticism from Syrian Druze figures, according to local media reports.

Israel has repeatedly justified its military actions in southern Syria by citing the need to protect the Druze community, while Damascus has rejected Israeli intervention as a violation of Syrian sovereignty.