Armed clashes continued throughout the night between the “Security Bureau” within the “National Guard,” affiliated with Selman el-Hicri, the son of Hikmet el-Hicri, and local groups in the western countryside of Syria’s Suwayda city. Sounds of explosions caused by RPGs and hand grenades were heard in the city center and near the governorate building.
Gays Kantır, one of the leading figures of the Security Bureau, was reportedly wounded in the clashes, some homes were damaged, and panic spread among civilians. Despite a ceasefire being in place in Suwayda since 20 July 2025, intermittent clashes between the sides continue.
Why it matters
The development shows that the ceasefire in effect since 20 July 2025 has not created a lasting security environment in Suwayda. The fact that the clashes took place in the city center and near the governorate building indicates that tensions are not limited solely to the local points of contact between the sides. Damage to homes and panic among civilians are increasing the direct impact of the intermittent clashes on city residents. The wounding of one of the leading figures of the Security Bureau also shows that the incidents have consequences for the decision-making and security structures of the armed groups on the ground. This situation leaves open questions about the extent to which the ceasefire can control clashes between the sides and how new armed incidents can be prevented.
Background
Syria is not a new name in the FikirPilot archive: in the last 90 days, we have published 3 reports mentioning the name; the latest is dated 28 August 2026.