Syrian Arab Republic: Flash Update No. 9 - Escalation of Hostilities in As-Sweida Governorate (as of 28 August 2025)

The OCHA flash updates that cover the humanitarian situation and response in southern Syria will be discontinued; the next updates will be issued as Humanitarian Situation Reports. To read the previous OCHA Flash Updates, please click here.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Access to As-Sweida reopens as inter-agency convoy uses As-Sweida-Damascus highway 110 for the first time since July, delivering vital humanitarian aid and conducting field assessments.
• Approximately 187,200 people have been displaced due to escalating hostilities in As-Sweida Governorate since mid-July, according to the IDP Taskforce, with 66 per cent remaining within the governorate and others relocating to Dar’a and Rural Damascus. During last week, 8,500 IDPs returned to their hometowns, almost 49 per cent returned to Salkhad District and 42 per cent returned to As-Sweida District.
• The UN RC/HC led an inter-agency, inter-sector mission to Dar’a, and visited IDPs sites and Hrak National Hospital in Dar’a, engaging with affected communities and local authorities.
• During July and August, WFP reports that 330,000 people were reached with emergency food and nutrition assistance across As-Sweida, Dar’a, and Rural Damascus Governorates.
• Between 20 July and 28 August, 21 humanitarian convoys reached As-Sweida, delivering life-saving assistance including food, medical supplies, fuel, flour, and essential household items.

SITUATION OVERVIEW

One and a half months since hostilities began in As-Sweida Governorate, the humanitarian situation across southern Syria remains critical. The escalation has led to widespread displacement, more than 187,000 people, and increased needs in affected areas, including As-Sweida City, Shahba City, Salkhad City, Arman, and surrounding rural communities. Damage to civilian infrastructure and disruption of essential services have left displaced families in urgent need of shelter, food, water, health care, and protection. Many are sheltering in overcrowded public buildings, while host communities face growing pressure. Despite access constraints, humanitarian partners coordinated by OCHA have reached over 369,000 people with food, medical supplies, and protection services.

Access challenges persist due to insecurity, blocked routes, and explosive hazards. While recent improvements via Dar’a–Bisr Elharirr corridor have enabled limited humanitarian and commercial movements, other key corridors remain high-risk, with an inter-agency convoy using Highway 110 for the first time since July on 28 August, delivering vital humanitarian aid and conducting field assessments. Funding shortfalls further hinder response efforts, with only 14% of the Humanitarian Response Plan currently financed. OCHA continues to lead coordinated efforts with local actors and partners to facilitate aid delivery, monitor evolving needs, and advocate for safe access and increased support to sustain and expand the response.

For more information:

Anastasya Kahala Atassi, Public Information Officer, OCHA - E-mail: anastasya.atassi@un.org