Extortion and Factionalism in Syria: April in Hijri’s Suwayda

Bedouin families leaving the city of Suwayda.

Suwayda’s fragile security order is under mounting pressure as Damascus exploits administrative leverage, armed factions deepen internal fractures and Jordanian strikes expose the governorate’s growing narcotics crisis. The attacks on National Guard-linked commanders raise new questions over Hikmat al-Hijri’s ability to maintain control while resisting Damascus and containing violence from within.

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