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WHO Syria, Week 45, 3 – 9 November 2018

Countries
Syria
Sources
WHO
Publication date

General developments & political & security situation

The security situation across the country remains volatile and unstable, while the main hot spots remain As-Sweida, Deir Ezzor, Hama, Aleppo and Idlib governorates.

• In northwest Syria, the military situation remains volatile and unpredictable with focus on the Demilitarized Zone agreement. Sporadic hostilities in Hama and rural Aleppo were reported during the week. The humanitarian crossing point between NSAG-GoS at Abu Thuhour in Idleb has been closed since 1 November.

• In the north and northeast Syria, the escalation of hostilities between Turkish Army-Kurdish forces from the Euphrates river eastwards to Tal Abyad since 30 October has continued this week. In the, several asymmetric attacks were witnessed across NES over the past week, including in and around Deir Ezzor city and Raqqa city. The United Nations remains deeply concerned over the safety of civilians in Deir-ez-Zor Governorate following continued reports of hostilities. On 5 November, airstrikes on Islamic State (ISIL)-controlled Adha’afa reportedly killed three internally displaced children from Mohassan village. People reportedly displaced northwards from the area, although the movement of civilians from ISIL-controlled areas reportedly continues to be highly restricted.

• On Rukban camp, during a five-day mission from 3-8 November, UN and SARC teams delivered multi-sectoral assistance, including food, water, sanitation and hygiene materials, nutrition supplies and health supplies and other emergency items for 50,000 people. Despite the welcome completion of this delivery, many people continue to live in dire conditions in makeshift or semi-permanent shelters. Some have been in Rukban camp for as long as three years now.