Syria: Response to Displacement in Aleppo - Flash Update No. 02, 29 November 2024
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HIGHLIGHTS
• Security situation is rapidly deteriorating inside Aleppo City.
• Displacements reported from areas in western rural Aleppo, as well as areas within Aleppo City.
• Two major hospitals in Aleppo City announced they are almost at maximum capacity; while most private hospitals are closed.
• Humanitarian actors are shifting to most critical operations with life-saving assistance delivered.
SITUATION OVERVIEW
The situation in Aleppo Governorate remains extremely dynamic. As of 29 November, intense hostilities continued in areas in Aleppo Governorate allegedly resulting in some significant territorial changes with implications for civilians as well as humanitarian operations. On 29 November, the active hostilities reportedly extended to areas inside Aleppo City, affecting civilian residential areas. The Aleppo International Airport is now closed, and all flights have been suspended. Currently, movement in and out of Aleppo City is only possible via the Khanaser-Atharia road which is unsafe. On 29 November, displacements to areas outside of Aleppo City were reported and some anecdotal reports indicated arrivals to areas at Tabqa entrance, Ar-Raqqa Governorate. Efforts are underway to track the movements.
Notably since the escalation in hostilities on 27 November, massive displacement movements had already been reported from the affected areas in the western countryside to Aleppo City. Moreover, on 29 November, a few families displaced from Aleppo arrived at a collective shelter in Hama City. Families from Ma’arrat An-Nu’man and Khan Shaykhun Cities, Idleb Governorate, reached Hama City. Further, nearly 35 displaced families (117 people) arrived at another collective shelter in Hama City.
Unverified numbers of civilian casualties have been reported. On 29 November, the two key public hospitals in Aleppo City are reportedly full of patients; and both have announced that they have nearly reached their maximum absorption capacity. Many of the private hospitals have closed down in Aleppo City due to the ongoing active hostilities.