The Governor of Suwayda, Mustafa al-Bakour, has dismissed reports that new levies are being forced upon commercial trucks entering the city. He clarified that the governorate is currently managing the entry of in-kind goods through a specific coordination process.
In an official update released on the evening of Monday, 12 January, al-Bakour explained that this coordination system was initiated after stolen machinery and tools were discovered hidden within commercial convoys traveling toward the southern Syrian province. He maintained that any goods supported by valid invoices are permitted to enter without encountering obstacles. Furthermore, the governor asserted that shipments of vegetables and food products are exempt from these coordination requirements.
Conflicting Reports from Local Sources
Despite the official stance, local residents in Suwayda informed Enab Baladi that personnel at government-run checkpoints have been soliciting bribes over the past few weeks to grant passage to trucks. These sources indicate that the movement of any transport vehicle now necessitates formal authorization from the governor’s office. There have been reports of trucks transporting fruits, vegetables, and food items toward Damascus being forced to turn back due to a lack of permits, contradicting the governor’s claim that such items do not require prior clearance.
The local al-Rased network also noted that the governorate has mandated security approvals for the movement of goods both into and out of the province. This policy effectively re-establishes previous measures that had once hindered trade and inflated shipping costs. According to al-Rased, the list of items requiring approval is extensive, including flour, solar panels, various batteries, tires, and automotive spare parts.
This shift has created significant hurdles for farmers, traders, and other economic participants. The network highlighted that in the last two days, multiple refrigerated trucks loaded with apples from Suwayda were blocked from traveling to Damascus because they lacked the necessary permits. Such delays have resulted in financial losses for agricultural producers, as these goods are highly perishable.
The Governorate’s Formal Response
The governorate’s official statement categorized the reports of new fees as “rumors spread by malicious online pages promoting lies and incitement within Suwayda, with the aim of undermining government efforts to ease the suffering of the province’s residents.”
Authorities also issued a stern warning, stating that any individual caught accepting illegal payments, exploiting citizens through the coordination process, or monopolizing essential services would face legal consequences and be referred to the appropriate judicial bodies for prosecution.
Declining Services and Administrative Friction
Since the onset of significant events in Suwayda in July 2025, the humanitarian and service landscape has seen a steady decline. Locals are grappling with a lack of consistent electricity, water, internet, and telecommunications, alongside a scarcity of food supplies.
The “National Guard” and the “Supreme Legal Committee” are currently overseeing the province’s administrative functions. In a declaration on 23 October 2025, the Supreme Legal Committee stated it rejected any interference in Suwayda’s internal matters by the “Damascus government.” They urged public officials to maintain “national responsibility” and resist attempts at “domination and fragmentation” to protect the province’s institutional integrity.
The committee further clarified on its Facebook page that “decisions on appointments and changes in service directorates in Suwayda issued by the interim government in Damascus are not binding on anyone and do not produce any legally or administratively recognized effect.”
Established by the Druze spiritual leadership on 6 August 2025, the Supreme Legal Committee was formed to oversee security and public services following the withdrawal of government forces. The body consists of four lawyers and six judges.
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