A recent car bomb attack in Manbij, Syria, killed 20 people, highlighting ongoing violence in the region. The UN condemned the attack and emphasized the necessity for civil protections. Ongoing conflicts have led to significant displacement and devastating humanitarian crises in northeastern Syria. Despite these challenges, the UN aims to support millions of vulnerable Syrians with planned humanitarian assistance funding.
The United Nations condemned a recent car bomb attack in Manbij, Syria, which resulted in the deaths of 20 individuals, primarily women and children. This incident, occurring near the Turkish border, targeted a vehicle carrying seasonal agricultural workers. Reportedly the seventh such attack in over a month, it marks one of the deadliest since the Assad regime’s fall.
United Nations Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric emphasized the need for all parties to adhere to international humanitarian law ensuring civilian protection. He stated, “Civilians and civilian infrastructure should never be targeted,” underscoring the responsibilities of all involved in the conflict.
As violence continues in northeastern Syria, particularly in eastern Aleppo, Al-Hasakeh, and Ar-Raqqa, approximately 25,000 people have been displaced due to persistent shelling and airstrikes. The destruction has severely impacted communities, damaging essential infrastructure, hospitals, and homes, as reported by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
In addition to violence, the lack of public services complicates humanitarian responses across Syria. In regions like Homs and Hama, electricity is available only for a brief duration every eight hours, and over 100 health facilities in northwest Syria have ceased operations due to funding shortages.
To assist the 6.7 million most vulnerable Syrian individuals, the UN and its partners are requesting $1.2 billion in humanitarian aid through March 2025. Despite obstacles, the UN continues to deliver aid and monitor the situation when security permits.
On February 3, a UN cross-border mission assessed cash distribution efforts in Idlib, amidst a reported increase in such missions compared to last year. Additionally, a recent assessment to Sweida highlighted significant shortages of drinking water and irrigation resources worsened by ongoing drought conditions.
According to a UN refugee agency survey, 27 percent of Syrian refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, and Egypt are contemplating returning home within the year. Since mid-December, over 210,000 Syrians have returned, although many confront challenges including destroyed properties and insecurity.
Internally displaced persons (IDPs) are also beginning to return, albeit slowly, with around 57,000 IDPs leaving camps since December. However, nearly two million remain in camps across Idlib and northern Aleppo, where safety issues and a deficit of essential services impede return efforts.
The situation in Syria remains precarious, marked by ongoing violence and humanitarian crises. The recent car bomb attack illustrates the vulnerability of civilians in conflict areas, as rival factions continue to clash for control. The persistence of violence, compounded by dire humanitarian conditions and lack of infrastructure, poses significant challenges for both local populations and international aid providers, highlighting the critical need for security and support for affected communities.
The attacks in eastern Aleppo exemplify the severe vulnerabilities faced by civilians in Syria amid continued conflict. As humanitarian conditions deteriorate, international agencies strive to assist those in need, highlighting an urgent call for support and adherence to international humanitarian standards. The plight of returning refugees and internally displaced persons underscores the ongoing challenges in rebuilding lives and communities in the aftermath of prolonged violence.
Original Source: news.un.org
