United Nations Warns of Escalating Humanitarian Crisis in Southern Syria After Displacement of 176,000 People
The United Nations has reported the displacement of approximately 176,000 people from southern Syria due to a sharp deterioration in security and living conditions, expressing concern about the growing humanitarian needs. This was stated by Gonzalo Gallegos Yousa, the representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Syria, via the "Ax" platform on Friday evening.
Gallegos Yousa explained that UNHCR teams, in collaboration with other UN agencies, have assessed the difficult humanitarian situation in the region, confirming that "conditions there are extremely dire, with many people having to walk long distances to reach safer areas, and they are now entirely dependent on humanitarian aid."
As part of efforts to address the crisis, UNHCR has intensified its humanitarian support by distributing emergency relief items to thousands of displaced persons, providing basic assistance to 3,570 individuals, sending 2,500 emergency kits to areas in Daraa and rural Damascus, as well as delivering another 2,000 kits to the province of Suwayda.
The agency also provides essential protection services, including psychosocial support and care for affected children through its community centers in the affected areas. Gallegos Yousa pointed out that the agency has maintained its field presence in Suwayda in recent days, emphasizing that "ensuring safe access for humanitarian workers is of utmost importance to save lives."
The crisis dates back to July 13, 2025, when clashes broke out between local armed groups and Bedouin factions in Suwayda, quickly escalating into violent confrontations involving government forces and tribal militants.
The clashes led to widespread violations, including field executions, house burnings, and looting of properties, resulting in a large wave of displacement among civilians.
According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, the number of casualties has reached 814 so far, including 34 women, one of whom died of a heart attack after hearing the news of her grandson's death, in addition to 20 children and 6 medical personnel, including 3 women, and 2 media workers. More than 903 people have been injured to varying degrees.
These figures are based on preliminary partially verified data, with expectations of the toll rising as violence continues and humanitarian conditions deteriorate in the region.
