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Protests in southern Syria as economy worsens

Syria’s economy is in tatters, and the removal of subsidies has led to relatively rare protests in government territory.
A child watches as Jasmine (not pictured) paints amidst the rubble in the city of Jindires on Feb. 28, 2023, near Aleppo, Syria.

Protests occurred in southern Syria on Thursday as anger grows at the government over the dire economic situation.

Residents of Suwayda and surrounding areas protested against poor living conditions in the country. The demonstrators blocked roads, burned tires and chanted anti-government slogans, the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported.

Reuters reported that hundreds of people participated in the protests. The unrest was specifically motivated by rising fuel prices, according to the outlet.

Most residents of Suwayda are members of the Druze religious minority. The area is under the control of Syrian government forces.

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