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SITUATION OVERVIEW
After more than 13 years of conflict, Syria's complex humanitarian crisis, including emerging epidemics and outbreaks, massive displacement, worsening socio-economic condition, volatile and unstable security situations in some parts of the country particularly in the northern and coastal areas, and environmental pressures, has strained the country's already fragile health system, leaving millions in need of urgent health assistance. The increase in people’s needs is attributed to several interconnected needs drivers that include the following: conflict and security, strained healthcare system, mass displacement, disease outbreaks and public health risks, environmental challenges and determinants of health, mental health and psychological effects.
The security situation in the country remains extremely fragile and volatile.
Coastal area: Following a number of security incidents over the previous 3 months, major clashes began on 6 March, primarily affecting Latakia and Tartous, including their rural areas and villages. As a result: >1000 people killed, 75- 80% are believed to be civilians; 1 UN staff member killed (UNRWA); Estimated 10,000 people fled to Lebanon; Injured patients transferred to Homs, Hama, Idlib straining health system; Public infrastructure, including ambulances and health facilities, has been targeted or damaged, further complicating emergency response efforts. There are also unconfirmed reports of deaths and/or injuries of health care workers. WHO is actively ensuring proper documentation and reporting under the Surveillance System for Attacks on Healthcare (SSA). Unrest has spread to other parts of the country, including central, capital and south.
Joint Statement by UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria, Adam Abdelmoula, and Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Syria Crisis, Ramanathan Balakrishnan, on the recent hostilities in Syria Damascus, Amman, 8 March 2025
“We are following closely the disturbing developments in coastal and central areas in Syria, with reports of heavy weaponry in use. Since Thursday, escalating hostilities in Tartous, Lattakia, Homs, and Hama Governorates, have resulted in civilian deaths and injuries, displacement, damage to civilian infrastructure, while access to affected areas remains heavily restricted. The situation remains highly fluid, with unverified numbers of civilian deaths and injuries, including a UNRWA staff member, who lost his life on Jableh bridge on Thursday. Thousands of people have reportedly been displaced in the coastal areas. Several civilians injured were reportedly referred to hospitals in Homs Governorate. The impact on critical civilian infrastructure is severe. Six referral hospitals and several ambulances have been rendered inoperable due to the fighting, while the Homs-Latakia highway remains blocked. Since yesterday, Latakia Governorate has experienced a widespread electricity outage. These incidents had direct impact on the Humanitarian operations which have been severely disrupted. All humanitarian missions to and within coastal areas have been suspended, and aid workers have been advised to remain indoors. Curfews and movement restrictions continue to hinder access to essential services. We urge all parties to immediately cease hostilities and spare civilians, civilian infrastructure, and aid operations, in accordance with International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Law, ensuring the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure and allowing for the immediate, safe, and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance to those in need. We extend our deepest condolences to all those who have lost loved ones and wish the injured a speedy recovery.”
Aleppo: Continued intermittent armed clashes and mutual sniping fire in the northern part of the city, as well as in Manbij and areas in eastern Aleppo.
Northeast Syria: Clashes, shelling and air/drone strikes along lines of control and critical targets in Al Hasakeh & Ar Raqqa. Ongoing clashes along “east line” of rural Deir ez Zor. Continued ISIL attacks.
Central and South: Several security operations are ongoing targeted areas of Damascus, Rural Damascus, Dara’a. Intermittent clashes/incidents in Damascus. Israeli airstrikes, as well as military activity & presence in Dar’a and Quneitra.
A quick snapshot: Humanitarian Needs Persist: 15.8 million people need humanitarian health assistance in 2025 – more than 65% of the total population. Continued population movements: 750,000 IDPs returns since November 2024 (IOM) and 662,486 refugee returns, mainly from Lebanon and Turkey (UNHCR). In northwest Syria, a recent exercise on IDP Returns Intention Survey showed that 1 million returnees are expected by early 2026, including 600K before the end of the summer. Unexploded Ordinance: major contamination, high risk in northwest and northeast as people return to their communities of origin and rush to begin farming season. >200 incidents & 149 deaths in December 2024 & January 2025 (Mine Action Cluster). Sanctions: Partial suspension/removal of sanctions is being implemented by the EU and UK and temporary relaxation for the US but barriers persist.