North-East Syria: Hostilities in Deir-Ez-Zor - Flash Update No.1, 11 August 2024

HIGHLIGHTS

• Since 6 August, an escalation in hostilities has been reported in Deir-ez-Zor Governorate.
• As of 11 August, at least 25 civilians had reportedly been killed and 28 others injured, as a result of active hostilities, on both banks of the Euphrates River.
• Some critical public infrastructure has reportedly been targeted or used for military purposes, resulting in heightened risks for civilian access to services on both banks of the river.
• Displacements have been reported from both banks of the river to safer nearby locations or the Al-Badia areas (desert). Numbers are still being confirmed at the time of issuance.
• The humanitarian priority is to rapidly scale up the provision of emergency assistance to the affected population.

SITUATION OVERVIEW

Since 6 August, a significant escalation in armed hostilities was reported in several areas on the eastern bank of the Euphrates River, Deir-ez-Zor Governorate, that reportedly extended to the western line. Multiple civilian casualties have been reported. Despite the significant escalation in active hostilities on both sides of the river, there has reportedly been no shift in control, although the situation remains fluid. In parallel, full encirclement and access bans have been reported in the Government of Syria areas Al-Hasakeh and Qamishli Cities, linked to the escalation in Deir-ez-Zor.

Deir-ez-Zor

Active hostilities were reported in Sur, Kasra, Abu Hamam, Hawayej, Thiban, Sabha, Shafa, Garanij, Darnaj, Jurzi, Basira, Al-Khubar, Harmushiyeh, Ebreha, Bahra, Abu Hardoub, Hareijiyeh, Hajin, Al Bagouz, Jeneineh, Shahil and Dahleh on the eastern bank of the Euphrates River. In addition, many areas on the western bank of the river including Sbeikhan, Elbuleil, Zbara, Saalu, Mahkan, Baqras, Tiba, Quryieh, Al Mayadin, Dablan, Teshreen, Muhasan and Dweir have also been affected.

Since 7 August, all crossings across the river have been closed. On the eastern side, some curfews have been implemented during the evenings. While a curfew from 6:00pm to 7:00am was announced in towns between Jadid Akidat to Al Bagouz, it is not being implemented. In Al-Shuhail, a partial curfew is being implemented from 6:00pm to 7:00am. Outside of the curfew hours, movement of people and cargo is being permitted across the eastern side, from Al-Shuhail to the rest of the areas of Deir-ez-Zor, although some delays may be experienced depending on the level of escalation of hostilities during the day. Internet services were temporarily suspended in some areas.

Demonstrations were reported in Jneineh, Hissan, Ezba, Al-Ma'amel and Basira areas protesting the targeting of civilians in the Dahleh and Jdidet Bikara areas.

Al-Hasakeh

Since 7 August, all water trucks have been prevented from entering the Government of Syria controlled areas in Al-Hasakeh City. This has reportedly affected access to portable water for at least 80,000 people, amidst a severe water crisis. As a result of the disruption, the price of water in the city has reportedly surged from 50,000 Syrian pounds (SYP) for 1,000 litres to SYP75,000/1,000 litres. On 10 August, 20 water trucks were allowed to enter the Government of Syria areas in Al-Hasakeh City to fill the main water tanks. In addition, limited, but critical water supplies, have been provided by UNICEF and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in the Government of Syria areas of Al-Hasakeh City. Without such highly needed water for the civilian population, the situation is only expected to increase waterborne diseases due to reliance on unsafe surface wells.

In addition, access restrictions of flour supply for bakeries have been reported in the Government of Syria areas in Al-Hasakeh and Qamishli cities, impacting about 24,000 families. As a result, the bakeries in Al- Hasakeh City have reportedly stopped functioning; while in Qamishli City, the main bakery is still operational. Currently, reportedly only one bakery is operating in Al-Hasakeh City using an emergency stock of wheat flour and producing bread at minimal capacity.

Supply of other critical items, such as food, vegetables, oil derivatives and medicines, has been limited in both cities. Price increases have been witnessed in the different markets following the suspension of crossings for commercial goods. This has impacted the whole of NES. The shortage of oil deliveries has resulted in reduced duration of power generator operations, limited movement in the city, and hindered patient transfer movement.