A recent car bomb attack in Manbij, Syria, killed 20 people, predominantly women, highlighting ongoing violence in the region. Hostilities in northeast Syria have displaced over 25,000 individuals, while humanitarian agencies face significant challenges. A recent UNHCR survey shows a rising interest among refugees to return home, although obstacles remain for those internally displaced.
The recent car bomb attack in Manbij, Syria, claimed 20 lives, primarily women, and left numerous individuals critically injured, prompting condemnation from the United Nations. This explosion, targeting a vehicle with seasonal agricultural workers near the Turkish border, marks the seventh such attack in slightly over a month and is deemed the deadliest incident since the Assad regime’s decline. Ukraine Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric emphasized the responsibility of all parties to uphold international humanitarian law, which mandates the protection of civilians.
Ongoing hostilities in northeast Syria, notably in areas like eastern Aleppo, Al-Hasakeh, and Ar-Raqqa, have displaced over 25,000 individuals amid relentless shelling, airstrikes, and armed clashes. This turmoil has resulted in significant damage to homes, hospitals, and vital infrastructure, as indicated by the UN’s relief coordination office, OCHA. Humanitarian organizations face challenges addressing the dire conditions due to an inadequate public service system and insufficient funding.
In regions such as Homs and Hama, residents have only access to electricity for 45 to 60 minutes every eight hours, while northwest Syria has witnessed over 100 health facilities running out of funding since the year’s start. The United Nations and its partners have launched an appeal for $1.2 billion to aid 6.7 million vulnerable Syrians until March 2025. Despite ongoing difficulties, UN agencies strive to maintain assistance efforts while monitoring the situation as security permits.
In early February 2025, a UN cross-border mission from Türkiye to Idlib assessed cash distribution efforts to assist regional communities in need. This year, UN missions to Syria have nearly doubled compared to the same period last year, demonstrating a renewed focus on addressing humanitarian challenges. A January assessment in Sweida revealed critical shortages in drinking water and irrigation, worsened by years of drought.
A UNHCR survey indicated that 27 percent of Syrian refugees in neighboring countries intend to return home within the following year, a significant rise from the previous 2 percent recorded last April. Since the regime’s fall in December, over 210,000 Syrians have returned, albeit facing obstacles from destroyed properties and infrastructure. Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) have also begun returning home gradually, with an estimated 57,000 returning since early December; however, nearly two million remain in IDP camps lacking safety and essential services.
The ongoing conflict in Syria has seen numerous violent incidents, particularly in regions like eastern Aleppo, illustrating the country’s instability. Recently, a series of car bomb attacks, including a devastating one in Manbij, has brought attention to the persistent threat to civilians amidst conflicting armed groups. The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate due to inadequate services, funding issues, and rising displacement of people, despite efforts by the United Nations and other agencies to provide assistance and monitor conditions on the ground.
The escalating violence in eastern Aleppo and surrounding areas underscores Syria’s ongoing vulnerabilities, especially for civilians caught amidst the hostilities. The recent deadly attack serves as a stark reminder of the need for protection under international humanitarian law. While many refugees express a desire to return, significant challenges remain that hinder their reintegration into their devastated communities. The international community’s continued support is vital to addressing these humanitarian needs and facilitating recovery efforts.
Original Source: news.un.org
