Syrian Arab Republic: Flash Update No. 4 - Escalation of Hostilities in As-Sweida Governorate (as of 27 July 2025)

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Humanitarian access due to roadblocks, insecurity and other impediments to As-Sweida remains constrained, hampering the ability of humanitarians to assess need and to provide critical life-saving assistance.
  • As of 24 July, at least 176,000 people were displaced within As-Sweida and towards Dar’a and Rural Damascus governorates, the majority of them were displaced mainly within As-Sweida Governorate.
  • OCHA led two Inter-Agency assessment missions to reception centers in Rural Damascus and Dar’a governorates to meet displaced families and enhance coordination with stakeholders on the ground.
  • WHO confirmed five attacks on healthcare in As-Sweida Governorate that include killing two doctors, obstruction and targeting of ambulances and temporarily occupying hospitals.
  • IDPs from As-Sweida experienced significant distress and trauma. Many fleeing families left without essential belongings or civil documentation. Threats from explosive ordnance remain one of the key safety concerns for families seeking safety.
  • Aid distributions are ongoing from the second SARC convoy that reached As-Sweida Governorate including food, water and medical supplies.

SITUATION OVERVIEW

The humanitarian situation in As-Sweida Governorate remains critical amid ongoing instability and intermittent hostilities. Despite the ceasefire framework, clashes reportedly resumed on 23 July near Walgha town with reports of sporadic fighting with casualty figures have not been independently verified. According to Protection Sector, the humanitarian access due to roadblocks, insecurity and other impediments to As-Sweida remains constrained, hampering the ability of humanitarians to assess need thoroughly and to provide critical life-saving assistance on large scale.

Interim authorities continue efforts to maintain order in the area. However, mortar shelling was reported impacting some residential areas in As-Sweida City, causing damage to civilian property and impcated grain silos in Um Elzaytun, located in northern As-Sweida, resulting in damage to part of the stored wheat. Increased military activity attributed to Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) has been reported in southwestern Rural Damascus and Quneitra countryside, including near the Golan Heights.

On 25 and 26 July, the Syrian Civil Defence reported the evacuation of more than 3,200 people including 20 injured and 34 bodies facilitating the voluntary movement of civilians from As-Sweida Governorate through Busra Esh-Sham crossing in Dar’a Governorate and facilitated the transport of around 366 people, primarily women and children who were trapped in As-Sweida City. Reported reasons for departure included concerns related to personal safety, limited access to essential services and supplies, and uncertainty regarding the overall situation, despite reassurances from local community members.

For more information:

Anastasya Kahala Atassi, Public Information Officer, OCHA - E-mail: anastasya.atassi@un.org