By Omar Abdurrahman
DEIR EZ-ZOR, Syria (North Press) – Deir ez-Zor Governorate in eastern Syria has long endured the devastating impact of conflict, resulting in deepening security and humanitarian crises with no clear solutions in sight.
The countryside of Deir ez-Zor faces persistent instability, with armed groups and ongoing local conflicts severely affecting residents’ lives. These challenges have stalled reconstruction and hindered development efforts across the region.
Amid this turmoil, understanding the current security dynamics and addressing the barriers to peace are more urgent than ever. Identifying pathways to stability and envisioning future aspirations are crucial for creating a secure and sustainable environment for the region’s residents.
Loss of security
Muhammad al-Salem, a long-time resident of Diban, a town on the banks of the Euphrates River in Deir ez-Zor’s countryside, shared his struggles with North Press. As a farmer, his livelihood depended on growing vegetables to sell, but the rising violence in the region has devastated his life.
“Attacks in the area destroyed my farm and wiped out all my crops,” al-Salem said. “Every time I tried to return and cultivate the land again, shells would fall, forcing me to abandon it.”
He described the situation as unbearable, with no sense of security and constant threats. The hardships extend beyond his personal losses, affecting nearly all residents of Diban.
“The town is in ruins—there’s no infrastructure, no functioning economy, and no health services. Markets are deserted, and people live in fear and uncertainty,” he added.
Al-Salem appealed to authorities and humanitarian organizations for urgent assistance to rebuild the town. He also called on the international community to provide sustainable solutions to restore security and peace in the region.
Daily suffering
Umm Ahmad, a resident of Baghuz, a town in the eastern countryside of Deir ez-Zor, shares a story of relentless hardship. A mother of three, she lost her home during the displacement caused by ISIS’s occupation of the area.
Now living in a tent with her children, Umm Ahmad described the severe challenges they face daily. “We lack basic necessities like food and water. I can’t provide for my children’s needs, and every day brings new suffering,” she said.
She explained that increasing attacks in their area have further eroded any sense of safety. “We have no peace or security, which makes it impossible to rebuild our lives or restore the infrastructure needed for a normal life,” she added.
Umm Ahmad called on humanitarian organizations for urgent support, expressing her hope to see Baghuz return to what it was before the war—a safe place where her children could grow and thrive.
For Raed al-Dakhil, a university student from Deir ez-Zor, the destruction of infrastructure has forced him to halt his education. “The conflict has made it impossible for me to access the university,” he said, voicing concerns about his fading dreams of becoming an engineer.
Despite these obstacles, Raed remains determined. “I want to rebuild my town and give back to my community,” he said, urging the international community to invest in education and reconstruction to give hope to the youth of Deir ez-Zor.
Challenges
Muhammad al-Awad, an activist in Deir ez-Zor, told North Press that the security situation in the region has significantly deteriorated due to frequent armed attacks, including those by Iranian militias, posing a grave threat to residents. He highlighted the broader impact of this instability on education and the future of the community.
“The conflict has crippled the local economy, leading to soaring unemployment and rising poverty,” al-Awad said. He urged immediate measures to protect residents and called for support to rebuild essential infrastructure such as schools and hospitals.
Sami al-Hamad, an analyst and expert on population issues in Deir ez-Zor, echoed these concerns, noting that the ongoing escalation of violence complicates efforts to rebuild. He emphasized that addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach that includes providing humanitarian aid and enhancing security.
“Fostering dialogue among all stakeholders and improving the economic and social conditions are critical for achieving stability,” al-Hamad added, stressing the role of civil society in promoting social cohesion.
He indicated that reconstruction and establishing security in Deir ez-Zor are not merely local concerns but also regional and international imperatives. Achieving these goals, he explained, demands cooperation among all parties to expand educational opportunities, bolster the economy, and lay the groundwork for lasting peace.
Al-Hamad concluded by underscoring the urgent need for international support, stating that the current crisis in Deir ez-Zor requires immediate action to help residents rebuild their lives and restore their community.