On the afternoon of 4 December 2022, security forces fired live ammunition at anti-government protesters in the southwestern city of As-Suwayda — located approximately 40 km (45 mi) north of the Syria-Jordan border. Demonstrators entered a building that houses government agencies, including the governor’s office, and started fires in several areas. They also set fire to nearby vehicles stationed outside. Protesters were reportedly calling for the resignation of Syrian President Bashar Assad due to economic hardship, poor living conditions and alleged corruption. At least one demonstrator died in the clashes, while seven others sustained gunshot wounds and were later transported to local health facilities for treatment. Protesters later marched from central As-Suwayda along the Damascus-Suwayda highway, blocking traffic in both directions.