Syria (Turkey cross-border)

Overview

At least 224,000 civilians, including 29,000 children, have died as a result of conflict since the civil war began in 2011. ?An estimated 11.7 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance. ?6.2 million are internally displaced and 6.8 million refugees have left the country, mostly to neighbouring Lebanon, Turkey and Jordan.  ?

The humanitarian needs in Syria are severe across all sectors, with health, shelter, and food needs most critical in areas where fighting continues, including governorates in the northwest and northeast of the country. Protection interventions are required countrywide. Access for humanitarians remains extremely problematic, even in areas retaken by the Syrian Arab Army. ?

Since late 2015, the Syrian Arab Army has been slowly regaining territory across the country. With only governorates in the northeast and northwest remaining outside government control, the war is widely seen as entering its final and possibly most violent stages. Turkish, Russian, Iranian, American, and Syrian troops are stationed inside Syria, as well as a range of non-state armed groups ranging from more moderate opposition groups to Salafist Jihadi groups. 

Latest Developments

15 October 2020: On 8 October at least 156 wildfires were reported across Lattakia, Tartous, and Homs governorates. As of 11 October all fires have been contained, though some areas are at risk of reignition. Around 140,000 people were affected as home and assets including agricultural land were destroyed or damaged. The fires destroyed an estimated 5,000 hectares of agricultural land and 4,000 hectares of forested land. Power and water cuts were also reported, due to damaged electrical and water networks. 25,000 people are likely to be displaced. Some early returns have also been reported. Needs of the displaced include shelter and NFIs such as blankets, clothes, hygiene and dignity kits, as well as food assistance and WASH services. The fires caused evacuation of some hospitals and hampered access to healthcare. Hospitals lack the equipment needed to treat patients presenting with breathing problems.?

13/10/2020: Around 46% of surveyed Syrian households in September 2020 reported not being able to purchase necessary medicines due to lack of financial resources (67%) and shortage of medicines in pharmacies (30%).?

13/10/2020: Multiple airstrikes on Idlib and northern Aleppo in September displaced 4,000 people towards Afrin (Aleppo governorate), Darksosh, and Salqin (Idlib governorate). Thousands of IDPs within Idlib are already living in overcrowded makeshift camps, with no WASH or health facilities.?

For more information on the humanitarian impact of the COVID-19 outbreak, please see the relevant paragraph below.