Collective efforts drive Al-Baghuz's reconstruction six years post-liberation
Al-Baghuz, a town in eastern Deir ez-Zor, remains steadfast in its post-war recovery, marking a pivotal chapter in the fight against terrorism and the restoration of hope for its inhabitants. The town has witnessed a rapid reconstruction process, driven by the solidarity of its tribal communities and the Autonomous Administration.
Al-Baghuz, located in the eastern countryside of Deir ez-Zor, was one of the towns most affected by the occupation of ISIS militants. It was ultimately liberated by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the International Coalition on March 23, 2019. The town was ISIS’s last territorial stronghold in North and East Syria and witnessed one of the most intense military campaigns undertaken by the SDF in the broader effort to eradicate ISIS from the region.
Reconstruction and the Return to Normalcy
Six years after its liberation, Al-Baghuz has made significant strides in reconstruction, with most of its residents returning despite the extensive destruction caused by the conflict. Once a focal point in the war against ISIS—where the largest concentration of militants and their families had gathered since 2017—the town endured severe damage to its infrastructure and civilian facilities, leaving profound psychological and social impacts on its residents.
However, recovery efforts began swiftly, led by the local population and the Autonomous Administration. Mohammad Ta’mah, the Deputy Co-Chair of the Al-Baghuz People’s Municipality, stated:
"Following liberation, we launched several infrastructure projects, including the establishment of water stations and the rehabilitation of roads. However, much more support is needed."
He further highlighted the growing population, particularly with the return of displaced families from refugee camps, which has created urgent needs such as new bakeries and road paving projects. He emphasized that nearly 90% of the town's infrastructure was destroyed, and while approximately 40–50% has been restored, additional support from the Autonomous Administration of Deir ez-Zor and humanitarian organizations is crucial to improving overall living conditions.
Infrastructure and Public Services
Currently, Al-Baghuz operates two water stations, serving approximately 30,000 residents—nearly 70% of the town's total population of 45,000. These stations were established over the past five years through local efforts and the support of the Autonomous Administration. Two additional stations are under construction to meet the full needs of the population.
Agricultural Revival
Historically known for its palm groves and seasonal crops, Al-Baghuz remains heavily reliant on agriculture, with 80% of its population engaged in farming. Today, approximately 3,000 hectares of land are actively cultivated, relying on irrigation from the town’s primary water pump—rehabilitated in early 2025—as well as private initiatives drawing water from the Euphrates River via diesel-powered pumps.
Challenges in Reconstruction
Despite ongoing efforts, the town continues to face significant obstacles. Approximately 45,000 cubic meters of rubble have been removed, but mass graves—containing bodies buried haphazardly during the conflict—remain a critical challenge. The Al-Baghuz People’s Council, in coordination with specialized teams, has recovered over 470 bodies from agricultural lands, roads, and homes. However, many burial sites remain, underscoring the magnitude of the town’s recovery efforts.
The Role of the People's Council
Linda Al-Hibo, the Co-Chair of the Al-Baghuz People's Council, emphasized the council’s commitment to addressing the town’s needs:
"Six years after liberation, the local council, in cooperation with the Autonomous Administration of Deir ez-Zor, continues to provide essential services to residents, including returnees from Lebanon and Al-Hol camp."
The council oversees the administration of Al-Baghuz and its surrounding areas through 19 communal committees (communes), which facilitate social organization and coordinate aid efforts with the Autonomous Administration and international organizations.
She further stated:"We have launched projects to support returnees from Al-Hol and Lebanon, ensuring access to food packages, water, subsidized bread, domestic gas, and heating fuel. Additionally, we are actively working to dismantle extremist ideologies that took root during ISIS’s occupation."
Moreover, the council conducts regular assessments of residents' needs and implements annual psychological support programs to help integrate affected individuals back into society.
Education Sector Revival
Al-Baghuz is home to 14 schools, some of which were completely destroyed. Thanks to local initiatives and collaboration between the municipality and humanitarian organizations, seven schools have been rehabilitated. Due to the growing student population, five residential homes have been converted into temporary schools, accommodating 3,700 students.
Security and Stability Efforts
Following liberation, Al-Baghuz faced security challenges, but through collective efforts and participation in security institutions, stability has been fully restored. Miraj Al-Alwan, a commander in the Internal Security Forces in eastern Deir ez-Zor, affirmed:
"Our mission is to protect the people of Al-Baghuz, the last bastion of ISIS in the region. Today, six years after liberation, we confirm that the town is secure and stable. We remain committed to ensuring the safety of its residents and facilitating their return to their homes, as this is our primary duty."
He concluded by paying tribute to the martyrs who fought for the town’s liberation:
"We pledge to honor their sacrifice by continuing to safeguard this community with all available resources."
Tribal Solidarity and Social Cohesion
Sheikh Dheeb Khalif Dawood, a prominent leader of the Al-Marasmeh tribe, underscored the enduring unity among Al-Baghuz’s seven tribes:
"This cohesion has fostered strong social bonds among families through kinship and mutual support, reinforcing stability in the town."
He further noted that, despite the displacement caused by ISIS, the return of residents—facilitated by tribal leaders and the Autonomous Administration—has enabled them to collectively address challenges in reconstruction and service provision.
"Despite the difficulties, the people of Al-Baghuz feel a sense of stability and hope for a better future," he concluded.
a.k
ANHA
Collective efforts drive Al-Baghuz's reconstruction six years post-liberation
Al-Baghuz, located in the eastern countryside of Deir ez-Zor, was one of the towns most affected by the occupation of ISIS militants. It was ultimately liberated by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the International Coalition on March 23, 2019. The town was ISIS’s last territorial stronghold in North and East Syria and witnessed one of the most intense military campaigns undertaken by the SDF in the broader effort to eradicate ISIS from the region.
Reconstruction and the Return to Normalcy
Six years after its liberation, Al-Baghuz has made significant strides in reconstruction, with most of its residents returning despite the extensive destruction caused by the conflict. Once a focal point in the war against ISIS—where the largest concentration of militants and their families had gathered since 2017—the town endured severe damage to its infrastructure and civilian facilities, leaving profound psychological and social impacts on its residents.
However, recovery efforts began swiftly, led by the local population and the Autonomous Administration. Mohammad Ta’mah, the Deputy Co-Chair of the Al-Baghuz People’s Municipality, stated:
"Following liberation, we launched several infrastructure projects, including the establishment of water stations and the rehabilitation of roads. However, much more support is needed."
He further highlighted the growing population, particularly with the return of displaced families from refugee camps, which has created urgent needs such as new bakeries and road paving projects. He emphasized that nearly 90% of the town's infrastructure was destroyed, and while approximately 40–50% has been restored, additional support from the Autonomous Administration of Deir ez-Zor and humanitarian organizations is crucial to improving overall living conditions.
Infrastructure and Public Services
Currently, Al-Baghuz operates two water stations, serving approximately 30,000 residents—nearly 70% of the town's total population of 45,000. These stations were established over the past five years through local efforts and the support of the Autonomous Administration. Two additional stations are under construction to meet the full needs of the population.
Agricultural Revival
Historically known for its palm groves and seasonal crops, Al-Baghuz remains heavily reliant on agriculture, with 80% of its population engaged in farming. Today, approximately 3,000 hectares of land are actively cultivated, relying on irrigation from the town’s primary water pump—rehabilitated in early 2025—as well as private initiatives drawing water from the Euphrates River via diesel-powered pumps.
Challenges in Reconstruction
Despite ongoing efforts, the town continues to face significant obstacles. Approximately 45,000 cubic meters of rubble have been removed, but mass graves—containing bodies buried haphazardly during the conflict—remain a critical challenge. The Al-Baghuz People’s Council, in coordination with specialized teams, has recovered over 470 bodies from agricultural lands, roads, and homes. However, many burial sites remain, underscoring the magnitude of the town’s recovery efforts.
The Role of the People's Council
Linda Al-Hibo, the Co-Chair of the Al-Baghuz People's Council, emphasized the council’s commitment to addressing the town’s needs:
"Six years after liberation, the local council, in cooperation with the Autonomous Administration of Deir ez-Zor, continues to provide essential services to residents, including returnees from Lebanon and Al-Hol camp."
The council oversees the administration of Al-Baghuz and its surrounding areas through 19 communal committees (communes), which facilitate social organization and coordinate aid efforts with the Autonomous Administration and international organizations.
She further stated:"We have launched projects to support returnees from Al-Hol and Lebanon, ensuring access to food packages, water, subsidized bread, domestic gas, and heating fuel. Additionally, we are actively working to dismantle extremist ideologies that took root during ISIS’s occupation."
Moreover, the council conducts regular assessments of residents' needs and implements annual psychological support programs to help integrate affected individuals back into society.
Education Sector Revival
Al-Baghuz is home to 14 schools, some of which were completely destroyed. Thanks to local initiatives and collaboration between the municipality and humanitarian organizations, seven schools have been rehabilitated. Due to the growing student population, five residential homes have been converted into temporary schools, accommodating 3,700 students.
Security and Stability Efforts
Following liberation, Al-Baghuz faced security challenges, but through collective efforts and participation in security institutions, stability has been fully restored. Miraj Al-Alwan, a commander in the Internal Security Forces in eastern Deir ez-Zor, affirmed:
"Our mission is to protect the people of Al-Baghuz, the last bastion of ISIS in the region. Today, six years after liberation, we confirm that the town is secure and stable. We remain committed to ensuring the safety of its residents and facilitating their return to their homes, as this is our primary duty."
He concluded by paying tribute to the martyrs who fought for the town’s liberation:
"We pledge to honor their sacrifice by continuing to safeguard this community with all available resources."
Tribal Solidarity and Social Cohesion
Sheikh Dheeb Khalif Dawood, a prominent leader of the Al-Marasmeh tribe, underscored the enduring unity among Al-Baghuz’s seven tribes:
"This cohesion has fostered strong social bonds among families through kinship and mutual support, reinforcing stability in the town."
He further noted that, despite the displacement caused by ISIS, the return of residents—facilitated by tribal leaders and the Autonomous Administration—has enabled them to collectively address challenges in reconstruction and service provision.
"Despite the difficulties, the people of Al-Baghuz feel a sense of stability and hope for a better future," he concluded.
a.k
ANHA
