Syria's rural al-Suwayda region has seen an increase in smuggling activity, and of fuel oil coming from areas controlled by the "Islamic State of Iraq and Syria" (ISIS) in particular, activists told Diyaruna.

With smuggling activity brisk at several crossings leading into al-Suwayda desert and government enforcement lacking, local residents have taken it upon themselves to close some of them, they said.

"The city of al-Suwayda and the surrounding rural areas suffer from extreme government neglect, and robberies and kidnappings for ransom are rampant," local media activist Muhannad Muqalled told Diyaruna.

Some traders are smuggling weapons and ammunition through al-Suwayda into ISIS-controlled areas, he said.

But the most serious problem is the proliferation of fuel smuggling from ISIS-controlled areas into the region, and sale of this "al-Anbari fuel oil" in the markets, he said.

Villagers close illegal crossings

In light of this activity, local residents have taken the administration of the region into their own hands by closing the crossings, Muqalled said.

The crossings are concentrated at the edges of the region leading into al-Suwayda desert, on the outskirts of the villages of al-Rashida, Malah, al-Hwayya, al-Kseib, Barek and others, he said.

With the full support of area residents, a number of recently-formed local factions on Sunday (June 25th) closed a smuggling crossing east of Tall Arajah by placing high earthen berms to block passage through it.

"Joint teams comprising members of these factions and local residents were then formed to monitor this and other crossings throughout the day to prevent any further smuggling attempt," he said.

Despite repeated appeals from local residents to intervene and take action to stop smuggling activity, the police force and other regime-affiliated forces have taken no steps to prevent it, he said.

Local residents, however, are determined to block the smuggling crossings in order to cut off any source of revenue or weapons to ISIS, Muqalled said.

"The continued flow of fuel oil ensures the group is continuing to receive funds and weapons," he said, noting that some traders barter with ISIS elements and provide them with weapons in exchange for fuel oil.

Even though ISIS-provided fuel oil is available on al-Suwayda markets at lower than official prices, most residents refuse to buy it, he said, despite the regime's indifference and failure to supply these areas with fuel oil.