Massive Protests Erupt in Southern Syria Over Assad's Regime and Economic Crisis

Hundreds of Syrians gathered in the southern city of Sweida, calling for President Bashar al-Assad to step down and demanding political change amid a deepening economic crisis. The protests, initially sparked by poor living conditions, have grown in intensity, with demonstrators expressing discontent over the removal of fuel subsidies and the country's economic decline. Despite divisions within the Druze leadership over the demonstrations, the turnout was significant. Similar protests were also reported in the province of Daraa, where the 2011 uprising began, with residents criticizing Iran's role as a key ally of Assad. In other government-held areas, residents have resorted to more discreet forms of protest.