Truck drivers’ protests in Hama, Homs

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that truck drivers in Hama and Homs have declared an open-ended strike, demanding the removal of the Minister of Transport and the head of the General Authority for Land and Sea Borders.

SOHR explained that the drivers gathered at the refinery bridge on the Homs-Tartous international highway, as well as on the Homs-Salamiyah road. It also noted that the protesters were directly threatened by a security officer affiliated with the transitional government in an attempt to deter them from continuing their movement. At the same time, calls were made for their colleagues in other cities to join the protests until their demands are met.

The protesters demanded: “The reactivation of duty offices and exchange yards at all Syrian crossings, except for transit crossings,” following accusations of corruption and favoritism against the duty offices in all provinces.

They also called for the dismissal of the Minister of Transport and the head of the General Authority for Land and Air Borders, according to the Observatory.

It is worth noting that on August 3, the capital Damascus witnessed two protests: the first in the Umayyad Square, and the second in front of the provincial building, rejecting the decision to impound motorcycles issued by the province. Protesters considered the decision an assault on their sole source of income amid worsening living conditions.

ANHA