OCHA warns of worsening humanitarian situation in southern Syria
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warned on Wednesday that the security situation across southern Syria remains volatile, with sporadic armed incidents continuing to impact humanitarian access and the protection of civilians.
In Suwayda Governorate, OCHA reported that essential services are under severe strain due to conflict, economic decline, and administrative obstacles, affecting key sectors including food, health, and agriculture.
It added that public bakeries have temporarily shut down, while urgent agricultural assistance is needed ahead of the planting season between October and December to prevent further food insecurity.
Humanitarian partners also noted that the main hospital in the city of Shahba is facing acute shortages of water, electricity, communications, and medical supplies, the report read.
Meanwhile, OCHA indicated that the beginning of the new academic year has deepened the displacement crisis, as 62 schools that had been used as shelters for displaced families were closed in Suwayda and Daraa governorates, forcing more than 7,400 people to relocate once again.
The UN agency further highlighted the ongoing danger of explosive remnants of war in the region. In the city of al-Hirak in Daraa Governorate, two displaced children from Suwayda were recently killed after coming into contact with a landmine.
Southern Syria, particularly the governorates of Suwayda and Daraa, has witnessed escalating instability over the past year, marked by economic collapse, deteriorating public services, and sporadic armed clashes between local groups and government forces.
Suwayda, a predominantly Druze region, has seen growing unrest since mid-2023 amid widespread protests against deteriorating living conditions and government policies. Meanwhile, Daraa continues to suffer from insecurity, assassinations, and the presence of explosive remnants from years of conflict.
The worsening humanitarian and security situation has deepened displacement, disrupted essential services, and increased the vulnerability of civilians across the region.