Syrian illegal groups block Damascus–Suwayda highway

• Damascus–Suwayda highway blocked over exam access.
• Roadblocks threaten exceptional exams for Suwayda students.
• Students face renewed travel barriers to exam centers.
• Decree grants make-up exams to students affected by conflict.

Unlawful armed groups blocked the main highway connecting Suwayda to Damascus, halting transit for citizens traveling from Suwayda toward the capital, according to local sources reporting to Syrian state television.

The roadblock was established along the strategic northern corridor, disrupting regular civilian movement between the southern governorate and Damascus.

Blockade aimed at disrupting Presidential Decree 

Local sources indicated that the roadblock specifically aims to impede the progress of the official examination process.

The closure prevents local students from reaching designated testing centers situated across the northern countryside of Suwayda.

The disruption comes immediately following the issuance of Presidential Decree No. 163 of 2026 by President Ahmed al-Sharaa on August 19, 2026.

The decree established an exceptional examination session for students across Suwayda Governorate seeking basic education and general secondary education certificates across all branches.

إغلاق معبر أم الزيتون من قبل مجموعات مدنية، مع السماح بالقادمين من دمشق ومنع الخروج من السويداء، باستثناء الحالات المرضية وأذونات السفر، للمطالبة بإجراء الامتحانات داخل السويداء واستعادة القرى.#آرام_نيوز #السويداء #طلاب_السويداء pic.twitter.com/sP3WRvRhJP

— Aram News (@AramNewsMedia) August 23, 2026

Response to security 

Decree No. 163 was enacted specifically to assist students in Suwayda who were previously unable to sit for the regular 2026 examination cycle or failed to complete all required subjects.

State authorities issued the special measure after thousands of students faced severe travel restrictions, security risks, and road blockades during the initial testing period.