Syrian Arab Republic: Flash Update No. 7 - Escalation of Hostilities in As-Sweida Governorate (as of 13 August 2025)

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Armed violence and clashes continued in both rural and urban areas of As-Sweida Governorate, causing insecurity and material damage.
  • On 8 August, a Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) convoy reportedly came under direct gunfire in Dar’a Governorate, resulting in damage to several vehicles.
  • Between 5 and 13 August, according to the Syrian Civil Defense, at least 924 families (3,650 people) left As-Sweida Governorate via Busra Esh-Sham humanitarian crossing to Dar’a countryside, and at least 371 families returned to the governorate.
  • According to UNICEF, hostilites in southern Syria reportedly left at least 22 children killed and 21 more injured, also caused significant damage to civilian infrastructure and further complicated the humanitarian response efforts.
  • Between 5 and 13 August, four UN-supported aid convoys delivered critical food, health, and WASH assistance to As-Sweida through SARC, including fuel to restore water access for thousands amid ongoing service disruptions.
  • OCHA and the Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management held high-level meetings to strengthen coordination and scale up humanitarian response in As-Sweida, Dar’a, and Rural Damascus amid hostilities.

SITUATION OVERVIEW

Between 6 and 12 August, the security situation in As-Sweida Governorate remained tense, with multiple incidents of armed violence and clashes reported across both rural and urban areas. Mortar and machine gun attacks were reported in Atil (northern rural As-Sweida) and Ora (western rural As-Sweida), prompting retaliatory fire from local armed groups. While no casualties were reported, both towns sustained material damage. Sporadic armed clashes occurred in Rima Hazem, Atil, Majdal, and Najran, all located within proximity to As-Sweida City. These incidents contributed to heightened insecurity and further material damage. Additionally, armed confrontations erupted in Rassas (western rural As-Sweida) and Al-Koum neighborhood within As-Sweida city. These clashes were reportedly driven by tensions between tribal factions and local armed groups. No confirmed reports of casualties or damage were available at the time of reporting. Overall, the escalation continues to disrupt civilian life and strain local resources, with the potential for further displacement and humanitarian needs if hostilities persist.

Dar’a Governorate was affected by hostilities as well, as a large-scale inspection operation attribbuted to Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) was carried out in the Ma’ariya community, southwest Dar’a, involving road closures, drone surveillance, and deployment of military vehicles, suggesting heightened security activity in the area. Also, additional clashes were reported near the As-Sweida–Dar’a administrative border, involving Internal Security Forces and an unidentified armed group.

Between 5 and 13 August, according to the Syrian Civil Defense, at least 924 families (3,650 people) left As-Sweida Governorate via Busra Esh-Sham humanitarian crossing to Dar’a countryside; at the same time, at least 371 families returned to the governorate via the same crossing.

For more information:

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