Suwayda: The Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported, citing a security source, that outlaw groups targeted “Al-Matouna” checkpoint belonging to the Internal Security Forces in rural Suwayda with mortar shells and heavy machine guns.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Syrian News Channel had previously reported, citing a security source, that two people were killed and others injured when unknown gunmen opened fire on a passenger bus at the “Marjana” gas station on the Damascus-Suwayda road.

A statement issued by the Suwayda Governorate via its Telegram channel read: “A passenger bus on the Damascus-Suwayda road was targeted by an outlaw group, resulting in civilian casualties. The relevant authorities are on high alert and investigations are underway. We condemn this cowardly act that targets the security of citizens and the safety of public roads.”

It is worth noting that in mid-September, the “Roadmap for Resolving the Suwayda Governorate Crisis” in Syria was announced. It was announced by Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani from Damascus during a press conference with his Jordanian counterpart Ayman Safadi and the US envoy to Syria, Tom Barrack. The roadmap consists of six steps to resolve the crisis.

One of the provisions of the roadmap stipulated that the Syrian government would deploy qualified and trained forces affiliated with the Ministry of Interior along the Suwayda-Damascus road to ensure the safe freedom of movement for citizens and trade, with support from Jordan and the United States to help overcome practical obstacles. For its part, the Supreme Legal Committee in Sweida accused the Syrian Foreign Ministry of contradiction and shirking responsibility, considering that the fate of the governorate is decided by its people, not by statements in Damascus or external agreements.