Unidentified individuals targeted the house of Sheikh Suleiman Abdul Baqi, the leader of the Ahrar Jabal al-Arab Gathering, known previously for supporting the anti-Assad regime movement and who had met with the transitional president, Ahmed al-Sharaa.
Local networks such as Suwayda 24 and al-Raased reported today, Saturday, March 8, that a rocket-propelled grenade targeted the sheikh’s house in the city of As-Suwayda, followed by heavy gunfire from inside the house and some surrounding residences towards the source of the rocket fire.
Suwayda 24 clarified that the attack resulted in two minor injuries to the residents of the house, in addition to material damages.
Abdul Baqi has not posted any information regarding the incident on his social media accounts.
Previously, Abdul Baqi survived two assassination attempts, the most recent of which occurred on November 11, 2024, when he was injured by gunfire from unknown assailants inside a vehicle and was subsequently transported to the hospital.
The local Ahrar Jabal al-Arab Gathering accused the previous regime of being involved in the assassination attempt on their leader.
The second attempt took place on September 11, 2021, when unidentified individuals fired a projectile near Abdul Baqi’s home, about 300 meters away, resulting in no injuries. At that time, the sheikh did not accuse any party of involvement in the assassination attempt.
The latest assassination attempt came amid rising tensions in As-Suwayda province, with accusations directed at local armed groups regarding intentions to separate from Syria with Israeli support, which was opposed by the three sheikhs of the mind (Sheikh al-Aql) in their statements, affirming Syria’s unity.
Abdul Baqi met with al-Sharaa in Damascus, and the atmosphere of the meeting appeared positive based on a video clip shared on social media, where he is known for criticizing remnants of the Assad regime and calling for the accountability of those among them, according to what he publishes on his Facebook account.
About Suleiman Abdul Baqi
Abdul Baqi serves as the leader of the Ahrar Jabal al-Arab Gathering and is one of the prominent figures in As-Suwayda, having been at the forefront of the popular movement in the city.
At the age of 35, Abdul Baqi has taken a stand against the Syrian regime and its president, Bashar al-Assad, while opposing the presence of Iranian-backed militias in Syria.
Since the outbreak of peaceful protests against the Syrian regime in al-Karama Square in As-Suwayda, he has been a leading voice in the popular demonstrations, delivering many scathing speeches against al-Assad and the militias that meddle in As-Suwayda and are affiliated with Hezbollah, according to his statements on various occasions.
According to close acquaintances of the sheikh, as reported by Enab Baladi, Abdul Baqi owns a store selling heaters and a nursery for plants.
In addition to his peaceful activism against al-Assad, he has been involved in several armed incidents targeting the Islamic State group and cells accused of smuggling drugs and Captagon pills.