The security situation in the Syrian province of Suweida remains unstable in 2026. The province is caught in a stalemate involving the central authorities, local Druze power structures, and various armed groups. The National Guard exercises de facto control over parts of the province, but it is internally divided and fragmented. Rivalries within this militia are evident, and have resulted in armed incidents between factions. The organisation is also associated with repression, detention practices, extortion, smuggling, and the exploitation of aid supplies.
ACLED recorded 165 security incidents in Suweida between 1 January and 5 June 2026. These included 84 battles, 61 incidents involving explosions or remote violence, and 20 cases of violence against civilians. A total of 58 people were killed, including at least 18 civilians. The violence included shelling, drone attacks, landmines, unexploded ordnance, killings and armed confrontations.
The humanitarian situation continues to be precarious. Around 155,000 people, primarily Druze, remain displaced. Many do not return due to destroyed infrastructure, landmines and ongoing security threats. The displaced Bedouin community is also in a vulnerable position and is largely prevented from returning to their original homes.
Roadblocks, checkpoints and security risks severely restrict freedom of movement on the road between Suweida and Damascus. This has a particularly negative impact on students travelling to sit exams. In the Shahba district, the situation is also unstable due to militia control, drug smuggling, airstrikes and violent incidents resulting in civilian deaths.
Policy
Coming soon.