Service collapse, ongoing displacement amid violations, siege in Sweida

Sweida has been under a continuous siege since July 13, amid a collapse of basic services and mass displacement exceeding 170,000 people. The region faces halted movement and systematic destruction of infrastructure and vital facilities.

2 August, 2025 11:40

NEWSDESK

Despite relative military calm across the surrounding areas and countryside of Sweida, the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, with no effective response from either official or international bodies to halt the ongoing violations against civilians.

The city of Sweida remains under siege, imposed by the transitional government forces since July 13, leading to a total breakdown of essential services and a deepening humanitarian crisis.

ANHA correspondent reports a severe decline in service provision: electricity is available for no more than two hours a day, 98 groundwater wells are completely out of service, and the main pumping station in the Thaala wells was looted and set on fire.

The city is also suffering from a severe bread shortage, with long queues at bakeries due to the influx of internally displaced people from affected villages. The Um al-Zaytoun mills remain non-operational, and flour arrives only intermittently through international organizations and donations from expatriates.

Displacement continues to worsen, with UN estimates indicating over 170,000 internally displaced people in Sweida. Most are staying in temporary shelters or with relatives, while humanitarian aid covers less than 5% of their needs.

On the ground, residents are prevented from returning to over 30 villages controlled by armed factions affiliated with the transitional government. Looting and the destruction of infrastructure persist. Fuel remains blocked from entering the region, paralyzing transportation, while both main and secondary roads have remained closed since the beginning of the siege.

A-H

ANHA