BEIRUT: Angry protesters raided the local offices of the ruling Baath party in a southern Syrian province Wednesday, as protests intensified against the country’s government during a severe economic and financial crisis battering the war-torn country.
Opposition activists said protesters also partially blocked a highway that links the Druze-majority Sweida province to the capital Damascus in anti-government rallies that broke out Tuesday night.
The demonstrations were sparked by worsening living conditions and inflation that surged after President Bashar Assad’s decision last week to double public sector wages and pensions.
Protests have so far not spread to government strongholds along the Mediterranean coast, the capital Damascus and the largest cities, including Aleppo and Homs.
However, they have also taken place in the nearby Daraa province that borders Jordan. The region’s economy has deteriorated and crime has risen since government forces reclaimed it in 2018.
The Syrian government has not responded to the protests.
The country’s economy has been struggling after years of conflict, corruption and mismanagement, and Western-led sanctions over accusations of government involvement in war crimes and the illicit narcotics trade. The United Nations estimates that about 90 percent of the population lives in poverty.
Sweida province is home to the country’s Druze minority, and has mostly isolated itself from Syria’s conflict, now in its 13th year.
“These are the largest protests that have taken place in Sweida,” Rayan Maarouf, Editor-in-Chief of local activist media collective Suwayda24, told The Associated Press. “At one point most people were neutral or unsure, but now they don’t believe their lives can improve without political change.”
The Syrian pound’s value against the dollar declined to a new all-time low, down from 7,000 at the beginning of 2023 to 15,000 pounds to the greenback. At the start of the conflict in 2011, the dollar was trading at 47 pounds.
Residents in southern Syria raid ruling party offices, block road as protests over economy intensify
https://arab.news/mpugq
Residents in southern Syria raid ruling party offices, block road as protests over economy intensify
- Demonstrations were sparked by worsening living conditions and inflation
- Protests have so far not spread to government strongholds
Major airlines suspend, reroute flights amid US-Israel strikes on Iran
- Saudia says decision taken in line with aviation safety and security standards
- Emirates says regional airspace closures cause disruption to several of its flights
RIYADH: Major international airlines across the Middle East and South Asia have suspended, canceled or rerouted flights following ongoing US-Israel attacks on Iran and the resulting airspace closures, according to official statements issued via X.
Saudia said in an official statement that it had canceled a number of flights due to developments in the region and the closure of airspace. The airline said the decision was taken in line with aviation safety and security standards, noting that its Emergency Coordination Center is closely monitoring developments with relevant authorities. Saudia urged passengers to verify the status of their flights before heading to the airport and said guests would be notified of updates through the contact details associated with their bookings. The carrier added that further information would be announced in a subsequent statement if available.
بيان رسمي من #الخطوط_السعودية pic.twitter.com/CHfjKj9yLX
— Saudia Group | مجموعة السعودية (@SaudiaGroup) February 28, 2026
Air Arabia said its flights were experiencing cancellations, delays or rerouting as a result of the evolving situation and airspace closures. The airline advised passengers to check the status of their flights before traveling to the airport by visiting its website or contacting its call center. Customers booked on affected flights will be notified directly, the airline said, adding that further updates would be provided as the situation develops.
Air India announced a broader suspension, stating that “in view of the developing situation in parts of the Middle East, all Air India flights to all destinations in the Middle East have been suspended.” The airline said it remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety for passengers and crew and will continue to assess the safety and security environment for flight operations, adjusting services proactively as required. Air India said its teams would extend necessary support to passengers and advised customers to check flight status online or contact its 24/7 call center for assistance.
#TravelAdvisory
— Air India (@airindia) February 28, 2026
In view of the developing situation in parts of the Middle East, all Air India flights to all destinations in the Middle East have been suspended. We remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety for our passengers and crew. We will continue to…
Dubai-based Emirates reported that regional airspace closures had caused disruption to several of its flights. The airline said it is actively monitoring the situation, engaging with relevant authorities and adjusting operations in line with the latest developments. Emirates said it adheres to all regulatory requirements and follows guidance issued by aviation authorities. The carrier apologized to affected customers and said it is assisting them with rebooking, refunds or alternative travel arrangements, reiterating that the safety and security of passengers and crew remain its highest priority.
Due to multiple regional airspace closures, Emirates has temporarily suspended operations to and from Dubai.
— Emirates Support (@EmiratesSupport) February 28, 2026
Emirates urges customers to check https://t.co/Ucm3UswfVh and https://t.co/yehFUeWZQq for the latest updates before proceeding to the airport.
We are actively monitoring… pic.twitter.com/SLDC7iNaUN
Qatar Airways confirmed a temporary suspension of flights to and from Doha due to the closure of Qatari airspace. The airline said it is working closely with government stakeholders and relevant authorities to support impacted passengers and will resume operations once the airspace reopens. It warned that delays are anticipated when usual operations resume and said additional ground staff have been deployed at Hamad International Airport and other key airports to assist passengers.
Temporary Suspension of Qatar Airways Flights due to Qatari Airspace Closure
— Qatar Airways (@qatarairways) February 28, 2026
Qatar Airways Group confirms the temporary suspension of its flights to, and from, Doha due to the closure of Qatari airspace.
The airline is working closely with government stakeholders and the…
Meanwhile, Al Jazeera reported that British Airways had canceled flights to Tel Aviv and Bahrain, adding to the list of carriers adjusting operations.
Across their statements, airlines consistently cited airspace closures and safety considerations as the primary reasons for suspensions and disruptions, while urging passengers to monitor official channels for updates as the situation continues to evolve.
