WHO Syria, Week 44, 27 October – 2 November 2018

General developments & political & security situation

The security situation across the country remains volatile and unstable, while the main hot spots remain As-Sweida, Deir Ezzor, Hama, Aleppo and Idlib governorates.

• In northwest Syria, the military situation remains volatile and unpredictable with focus on the Demilitarized Zone agreement. The humanitarian crossing point between NSAG-GoS at Abu Thuhour in Idleb was re-opened on 22 October. Between 23-28 October, 485 families (approximately 2,000 individuals, all returnees) crossed into GoS controlled areas and resettled in Hama, Idleb and Aleppo (incl. approximately 100 households in Aleppo city). In western Aleppo, including Aleppo city, hostilities continued to be reported between GoS-NSAGs.

• In the north, along the northern border between Syria-Turkey, there has been significant escalation of hostilities between Turkish Army-Kurdish forces from the Euphrates river eastwards to Tal Abyad since 30 October – it is currently unclear what impact this will have on health and on humanitarian operations/access in affected areas.

• In the northeast Syria, several asymmetric attacks were witnessed in SDF controlled areas over the past week. Using the opportunity of the bad weather conditions, ISIL intensified assaults against SDF in the surroundings of Hajin pocket and re-captured As-Sousah, Baghouz Fouqani towns and the newly SDF taken part of Hajin town.

• On Rukban camp, the UN continues to call upon all parties to ensure safe, sustained and unimpeded access to all people in need, in line with their commitments under international humanitarian law. Ali Al-Za'tari, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Syria, issued a statement on failed attempt to conduct a humanitarian convoy to Al-Rukban on 27 October citing the decision to postpone the delivery of humanitarian assistance was based on documented information of real danger.