The recent car bomb attack in Manbij, Syria, killed 20 individuals, predominantly women. UN spokesperson reiterated the need for protection of civilians under international humanitarian law. Over 25,000 individuals have been displaced amid persistent hostilities, with the UN appealing for $1.2 billion to support vulnerable populations. Additionally, there is a growing interest among refugees to return home despite ongoing challenges.
The recent car bomb attack in Manbij, Syria, resulted in the deaths of 20 individuals, primarily women, and left many others critically injured. This incident occurred near the Turkish border, targeting a vehicle carrying seasonal agricultural workers and marked the seventh such attack within a month. The area has experienced ongoing violence as Turkish-backed forces and Kurdish fighters clash, yet no group has claimed responsibility for this recent act.
In response to these tragic events, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric underscored the obligation of all parties to adhere to international humanitarian law aimed at protecting civilians, stating, “Civilians and civilian infrastructure should never be targeted.”
Hostilities in northeast Syria, especially in locations like eastern Aleppo and Ar-Raqqa, have displaced over 25,000 individuals. Continuous shelling and airstrikes have resulted in the destruction of vital infrastructure, including homes and hospitals. Humanitarian organizations are struggling to respond effectively, due to inadequate public services and funding shortages that plague various regions of Syria.
Currently, the United Nations and its partners are appealing for $1.2 billion to support 6.7 million vulnerable Syrians through March 2025. Despite severe challenges, UN agencies persist in their delivery of assistance, having carried out numerous missions to assess conditions and support recovery efforts in Syria.
In addition, a UNHCR survey reveals an increasing trend among Syrian refugees in neighboring countries, with 27% indicating a desire to return home within the next year. Since December 2023, over 210,000 Syrians have returned to their country, though many confront significant difficulties, including destruction of property and security issues.
While a small number of internally displaced persons are also returning home, safety concerns and a lack of essential services continue to impede larger-scale returns. Presently, nearly two million individuals remain in overcrowded camps, particularly in Idlib and northern Aleppo, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region.
The ongoing conflict in Syria has resulted in widespread violence and instability, particularly affecting civilian populations. Eastern Aleppo and regions near the Turkish border have been hotspot areas for attacks, leading to displacement and a humanitarian disaster. International agencies like the United Nations have been striving to provide assistance and monitor the situation while advocating for adherence to humanitarian laws that protect civilians.
The recent car bomb attack in Manbij underscores the perilous security situation in Syria, compounded by ongoing violence and humanitarian challenges. Displacement remains a critical issue, fueled by the lack of essential services and ongoing hostilities. Despite these obstacles, efforts are being made to provide aid, and there is a noted desire among refugees to return home, albeit facing significant challenges.
Original Source: news.un.org
