Attachments
SITUATION UPDATE
The security situation in Aleppo, Al-Hassakeh, Ar-Raqqa, and Deir-ez-Zor Governorates has sharply deteriorated over the past week due to rapid territorial shifts and escalation of violence in some regions resulting in increased displacement and humanitarian needs. While the security situation in Deir-ez-Zor is mostly back to normal, the situation in camps in Al-Hassakeh, Ar-Raqqa, and Kobani is especially concerning. Kobani city and approximately 50 surrounding villages, hosting an estimated 400,000 people, have had no access to water since January 19 three days due to a total power outage affecting the main pumping system and the inaccessibility of the primary water station in Shuyoukh district. The absence of electricity, generators, and fuel has prevented the operation of alternative boreholes, exposing the population, including the large numbers of internally displaced families to severe protection, health, and humanitarian risks.
Population displacement is significant and ongoing. According to the IDP1 Task Force, approximately 165,247 individuals have been displaced in Aleppo and Al-Hassakeh Governorates as of 21 January, with significant precautionary displacement reported in Al-Hassakeh, where 41,186 people have found shelter in collective centers. Families are moving dynamically between collective centers, host communities, and camps. Women, girls, and boys account for around 70 per cent of the displaced population.
Camps across Al-Hassakeh and Ar-Raqqa have been heavily affected by the security escalation. Al-Hol, Mahmoudli, and Areesha camps experienced looting, vandalism, and arson following the withdrawal of Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). 2 Humanitarian activities, including education, health, and other basic services, have been suspended in several sites. Access for UN agencies and other humanitarian actors remains limited due to security concerns. The lack of security oversight and damaged infrastructure have left camps high-risk environments.
Health services face critical disruption. Hospitals in Raqqa and Tabqa are treating casualties from hostilities but face shortages of staff, medicines, and medical supplies. Health facilities in Al-Hasakah governorate, including camps, are currently suspended due to insecurity. Urgent needs include pediatric medicines, dialysis equipment, and operational support for primary health centers. Coordination with the Directorates of Health is ongoing to resume essential health services, and to support the most vulnerable hospitals and health centers, such as the National Hospitals in Deir-ez-Zor, Raqqa, and Tabqa cities.
Education services are also severely impacted, with school break already extended by one additional week until February 1. While 19 schools in Ashrafia and Sheikh Maqsood in Aleppo need rehabilitation due to recent escalation and years of underfunding, over 90 schools in Al-Hassakeh governorate are being used as collective shelters. Schools require maintenance, teaching materials, furniture, and updated curricula for students transitioning from the Kurdish to Syrian Government curriculum. The Ministry of Education has begun rapid assessments to plan for immediate reopening and catch-up strategies.
Water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure has been disrupted by looting, damage, and operational gaps. Key electrical lines supplying Al-Hassakeh water stations have been damaged, resulting in a dramatic reduction in water supply for approximately 1 million people. Water trucks and pumping stations are operational in some areas but remain constrained due to security, fuel shortages, and staff absences. WASH partners continue to monitor and provide support where possible, prioritizing the most vulnerable populations.
Humanitarian response and coordination continue under challenging conditions. UNICEF and partners are scaling up support by providing supplies in coordination with the authorities and launching assessments to enable the adequate restoration of critical services and anticipate further displacement from areas of ongoing conflict. Ongoing insecurity, fluid frontlines, and limited access remain the main constraints to timely and safe humanitarian operations.