Syrian Arab Republic: Flash Update No. 8 on the Recent Developments in Syria (as of 23 December 2024) [EN/AR]

Highlights

• Hostilities continue to be reported in parts of Syria, including Aleppo, Deir-ez-Zor, Lattakia and Quneitra governorates, as well as in the vicinity of Tishreen dam, which remains non-functional for nearly two weeks.
• Due to insecurity, humanitarian operations are still on hold in Tartous and Lattakia governorates except for a few UN missions. NGOs remain unable to access Menbij for two weeks.
• Over 728,000 people remain newly displaced in Syria since the start of the escalation of hostilities on 27 November. Over 421,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) have returned, mostly to Hama and Aleppo governorates.
• Fuel shortages have been reported across the country, affecting essential activities and the humanitarian response. In Aleppo governorate, six public hospitals and 60 primary health centers are operating only partially due to fuel and power shortages.
• On 19 December, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator (ERC) Tom Fletcher traveled to a displacement camp in Idleb and spoke with families and aid workers, wrapping his visit to Syria.

Situation Overview

Hostilities and insecurity continue to be reported in parts of Syria, including Aleppo, Deir-ez-Zor, Lattakia and Quneitra governorates.

As of 22 December, hostilities have continued in Menbij and Ain al-Arab districts, Aleppo city and around the Tishreen dam, in Aleppo governorate, as well as in Deir-ez-Zor governorate and Lattakia governorate, the latter due to Israeli airstrikes. Insecurity is also high in Quneitra governorate, with reports of civilian properties destroyed and schools closed. The Tishreen Dam remains non-operational for nearly two weeks since it was damaged on 10 December.

The security situation has somewhat stabilized in Al-Hasakeh and Ar-Raqqa governorates. However, education remains suspended in 38 schools that have been repurposed as emergency collective centers for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in both governorates.

In Damascus, supply lines have resumed, enabling the movement of goods and people via land transport. Markets in the governorate have also resumed operations, with improved availability of goods and food items. The supply routes from Damascus to Deir-ez-Zor have reopened, and roads from Damascus and Homs to Deir-ez-Zor remained accessible for humanitarian cargo. However, damage to bridges connecting Damascus to other key logistical hubs continues to affect the logistics chain, disrupting civilian and commercial traffic.

Telecommunications services are inconsistent across the country, with frequent line disruptions and weak internet connectivity. Electricity supply is subject to periodic outages.