Syria: Recent Developments in Aleppo - Flash Update No. 3, 30 November 2024

HIGHLIGHTS

• Reports indicate a significant movement of individuals from Aleppo Governorate to various Syrian Governorates, with many seeking shelter in open areas.

• Humanitarian needs remain vast amid ongoing disruptions to access.

• Numerous humanitarian organisations have reportedly paused their operations.

SITUATION OVERVIEW

The security situation in Aleppo Governorate remains volatile, unpredictable, and rapidly evolving. Since 27 November, frontline dynamics are fluid, escalated hostilities in western rural Aleppo Governorate have quickly reached Aleppo City, extending into the northern and eastern countryside, as well as into Idleb and Hama Governorates. Emerging alliances are reportedly impacting civilians, freedom of movement, and humanitarian access.

Reports persist of civilian casualties, mass displacements, and damage to civilian properties and infrastructure. Many humanitarian organisations have paused their operations. Large numbers of people are reportedly trapped in frontline areas, unable to reach safer locations. Significant displacements have been reported from Aleppo via the Khanaser-Atharaya road in southern Aleppo, with heavy traffic congestion. Mobile gasoline stations have reportedly been deployed along this route to support displaced persons, whose journeys to safer areas take over 10 hours. The Damascus-Aleppo Highway (M-5) remains inaccessible between Saraqab City (Idleb) and Aleppo, though it is still open—with potential for closure—from Ma'arrat An Nu'man City (Idleb) toward Hama Governorate.

On 29 and 30 November, curfews were imposed in Aleppo City. Markets and streets are reported to be deserted, despite the availability of basic commodities, as residents fear being caught in fire exchanges. All public facilities, including universities and schools, have been suspended. Disturbing reports from Aleppo indicate hospitals are overwhelmed with injured individuals, facing severe shortages of medical staff and resources. In addition, local and media sources claim that state and private banks, along with ATMs, have been emptied of cash (Syrian pounds). If verified, this would exacerbate liquidity shortages in Aleppo City.