Armed factions in Syria’s Druze-majority Sweida province have blocked students from traveling to government-designated exam centers, demanding that official tests be held within areas under their control. This development, which unfolded on Saturday, drew condemnation from the Damascus-appointed governor and highlighted ongoing tensions in the region.
Sweida city and surrounding parts of the southern province remain under the control of local armed groups, making them some of the last areas outside the authority of Syria’s new Islamist-led government, which took power after the overthrow of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad in 2024. The province has experienced significant unrest since clashes erupted in July 2025 between Druze factions and government-aligned Bedouin fighters. The violence resulted in more than 2,000 deaths, including nearly 800 Druze civilians, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. A government-appointed committee documented a somewhat lower toll, recording 1,760 fatalities.
The government had scheduled an exam session on Saturday in the northern part of Sweida province, controlled by Damascus, for students who were unable to take tests earlier amid rising conflicts. However, Druze fighters in the Shahba area, north of Sweida city, issued a statement on Friday declaring that roads were completely closed to students and exam proctors traveling to centers outside their areas. The factions insisted that exams be arranged within Druze-controlled zones, citing security concerns.
Sweida governor Mustafa al-Bakkur described the groups’ actions as using students’ futures as "political bargaining chips." He confirmed that approximately 150 students managed to sit for their exams, some having left Druze-controlled areas days in advance to avoid disruption. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education expressed regret that not all students could reach examination centers.
Eyewitness accounts from students pointed to an intimidating atmosphere. One 18-year-old student traveling from Sweida city reported that armed groups blocked the bus and fired warning shots into the air to deter passage. The student spoke anonymously, citing concerns for personal safety.
The incident prompted a response from the United Nations. Marianne Ward, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria, expressed concern and called on all parties to ensure children can access education without interference or restrictions on movement.
The episode underscores the ongoing fragility of Sweida province, where local armed factions maintain significant influence amid a broader struggle over control following Assad's ousting. Both local authorities and armed groups remain at odds over governance and security, with civilians—particularly students—caught in the crossfire of these political and territorial disputes.