ALEPPO — Protests have occurred in Syria’s northwestern province of Idlib in recent days against the so-called Syrian Salvation Government (SSG), which is affiliated with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). HTS controls the province. Protesters are calling on the government to provide basic services to the province and reduce the prices of goods and fuel, namely gas and diesel. 

Dozens of protesters gathered Oct. 15 in al-Saa Square in central Idlib city to express their anger over the increase in prices of most basic goods. They raised banners with slogans such as “We are drowning in your salvation,” criticizing the SSG and its performance. Other slogans, to name just a few, included “No to inflation and corruption,” “Stop playing with people and robbing them,” “Keep the price of oxygen tanks down” and “Salvation Government sinking the ship."

Some protesters, wearing personal protective equipment amid the spread of COVID-19 in the area, denounced the living conditions as unbearable amidst the skyrocketing cost of living.

Protesters hold responsible the corrupt officials and traders who abuse power and are supporting citizens.