An aid convoy from the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) reached Suwayda province (southern Syria) on Wednesday, August 27, through the Busra al-Harir humanitarian crossing in rural Daraa.

Enab Baladi’s correspondent in Daraa reported that this was the 17th aid convoy to enter Suwayda, but the first to include a truck for road lighting. Previous convoys mainly carried food and fuel.

The correspondent added that the aid trucks now use the Busra al-Harir crossing due to recent security tensions at the Busra al-Sham humanitarian crossing. The Busra al-Harir route, passing through the town of Izra in rural Daraa, is also closer to the convoys’ assembly point.

Strain on shelters in Daraa

Enab Baladi’s correspondent in Daraa noted that shelters in the province, mostly set up in schools, suffer from poor distribution of aid and food assistance.

With the school year set to begin on September 22, displaced families still occupy most schools in the province, and no alternative shelters have been provided so far. Schools require disinfecting, maintenance, and repairs to classrooms and furniture before reopening.

Civilian evacuations continue

According to the correspondent, civilian evacuations from Suwayda are ongoing individually through the Busra al-Sham crossing. No armed clashes were reported in the province over the past 24 hours.

The Syria Civil Defense announced on August 26 that 143 families, totaling 535 people including women and children, left Suwayda over the previous 48 hours through the Busra al-Sham crossing.

The Civil Defense said it provided support and ensured safe transport to destinations chosen by the evacuees.

Meanwhile, 78 families comprising 311 people returned to Suwayda via the same crossing, according to the Civil Defense.

Aid convoys began using the Busra al-Harir route on August 19 after incidents and security threats at the Busra al-Sham crossing, which had previously been the only humanitarian corridor.

Background of tensions

Suwayda has witnessed reciprocal violations between the Syrian government, local factions, and Bedouin tribal fighters.

The crisis began on July 12 with a wave of kidnappings between local factions and residents of the al-Maqous neighborhood in Suwayda city, which has a predominantly Bedouin population.

The situation escalated into armed clashes that prompted government intervention. Government forces later withdrew after Israeli airstrikes targeted their positions in Suwayda and Damascus.

Subsequently, local factions carried out violations against Bedouin communities, sparking anger among tribal groups, which mobilized convoys toward Suwayda.