Syria: The Humanitarian Response in Aleppo and the Northeast Governorates | Humanitarian Situation Report No. 2 (As of 3 February 2026)

SITUATION OVERVIEW

The situation in Aleppo, Al-Hasakeh and Ar-Raqqa governorates has largely stabilized in recent days, following the agreement announced on 30 January 2026. Active hostilities have subsided, bringing a greater sense of calm, even as localized incidents, precautionary security measures, and community concerns persist in many areas.

In Ar-Raqqa Governorate, damaged infrastructure is starting to be repaired, including temporary rehabilitation of a bridge connecting Ar-Raqqa city with Tabqa and southern areas. Crossline movements of humanitarian personnel, relief materials and commercial goods are starting to resume between Al-Hasakeh and Ar-Raqqa Governorates.

Population movements remain fluid. While some displaced families have begun returning to their areas of origin, others remain unable or unwilling to do so, in part due to safety concerns and service disruptions. As of 1 February, approximately 157,500 individuals from Aleppo, Al-Hasakeh, and Ar-Raqqa governorates remained displaced. Displaced populations are currently spread across 106 communities in 13 sub-districts within Aleppo and Al-Hasakeh governorates, complicating tracking, coordination, and service delivery.

The largest concentrations of internally displaced persons are in Qamishli District (approximately 69,600 IDPs) and Al-Malikeyyeh District (around 28,500 IDPs). Women and children (girls and boys) account for approximately 91 per cent of the displaced population, indicating heightened protection, health, nutrition, and psychosocial support needs.

Host communities are accommodating most displaced households (67 per cent), placing significant pressure on already overstretched local services, housing, water systems, and livelihood. Nearly one-third of displaced families reside in collective centres, primarily in Al-Hasakeh Governorate.

HUMANITARIAN IMPACT AND ACCESS

Humanitarian access has shown some immediate improvements in recent days. Partners continue to rely on designated humanitarian corridors, particularly to Ain al-Arab (Kobani) and Qamishli, to deliver multi-sectoral assistance to populations in need.
Basic services in affected rural areas remain largely disrupted. Electricity and telecommunications outages have halted water pumping systems, leaving many communities without reliable access to safe water. Food supply chains are also constrained, with bread shortages reported due to lack of flour, fuel, and operational bakeries. Education activities have been suspended for several weeks. Many schools are occupied by displaced families and face shortages of teachers, learning materials, and adequate readiness for reopening. In Areesha Camp, health services have been discontinued following large-scale looting.

Service disruptions and access challenges are compounding the humanitarian situation in parts of Al-Hasakeh Governorate. Limited movement across areas of control has left some 344,000 people with limited access to Al-Hasakeh and Qamishli cities, where hospitals, markets, and specialized services are concentrated.

Explosive ordnance (EO) contamination continues to be an immediate risk, restricting safe movement, delaying returns, and affecting humanitarian access. Children and displaced families are especially at risk. Mine action activities are due to resume, after surveys, clearance, and risk education were postponed during the active hostilities. During the reporting period, 10 EO-related incidents were recorded across Aleppo, Idlib, Ar-Raqqa, Al-Hasakeh, and Deir ez-Zor governorates, resulting in eight fatalities and nine injuries. These casualties underscore persistent risks to civilians and constraints on safe movement and returns.

In Ain al-Arab (Kobani), population movements have increased pressure on temporary collective shelters. Food and essential goods have become scarcer, with markets failing to keep pace with growing demand. In Deir ez-Zor, following years of conflict, the lack of adequate infrastructure continues to constrain humanitarian movements, commercial traffic, and service delivery across the governorate.

Winter conditions, including persistently low temperatures, continue to heighten vulnerabilities among displaced families residing in collective shelters, informal settlements, and unfinished buildings, highlighting the continued need for sustained humanitarian assistance.