Southern Syria protests (2023–present)
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On 17 August 2023, popular protests driven by escalating economic hardships erupted in the Druze majority city of Al-Suwayda, initially drawing hundreds of participants.[1] These protests, which quickly expanded in scope and intensity, saw thousands by 20 August chanting slogans demanding the downfall of the authoritarian Assad government, invoking memories of the Arab Spring.[11] By 24 August, the protests had spread to the city of Daraa.[2][12][13][14][15]
2023–2024 southern Syria protests | |||
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Part of the Syrian civil war | |||
Date | 17 August 2023[1] – present | ||
Location | |||
Caused by | Totalitarian rule of Bashar al-Assad, economic crisis, corruption, high inflation and state repression[2] | ||
Goals |
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Methods | Demonstrations and general strikes[2] | ||
Status | Ongoing | ||
Parties | |||
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Number | |||
Casualties | |||
Death(s) | 1 protester killed[10] |
Triggered by a government decision earlier in the month to slash fuel subsidies, which more than doubled the cost of gasoline,[16] the protests symbolized a boiling point of over a decade of accumulated grievances. These included government violence, deteriorating living standards, and a political stalemate that has left the war unresolved.[17]
In response to widespread demonstrations, the Assad regime, known for harshly suppressing dissent, faces a particularly delicate situation in As-Suwayda. Since 2011, this Druze-majority region has avoided participation in armed conflict, choosing instead to abstain from sending young men to mandatory military service and to act as a refuge for those fleeing the regime’s oppression.[18] Their clear stance against extremist Islamic groups[19][20] and their sect's global reputation for social and cultural openness challenge the regime’s narrative of 'confronting terrorism and protecting minorities.'[21] Tensions in Sweida escalated dramatically on 28 February 2024, when a man died from gunshot wounds inflicted by the Syrian Armed Forces during a protest.[22] This incident has significantly heightened community participation and intensified the demonstrations, with protesters now emphatically demanding the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2254,[23] marking a pivotal shift in the community’s stance towards the government.