Syria Monthly Report

January 2022

South & central

  • Syrian government reinstates monopoly over water bottle sales

  • Syrian health officials call for salary increase

Northeast

  • ISIS launches escape from Al-Sinaa prison

  • Crossing closure causes shortages in northeast

  • Government reconciliations anger tribes in eastern Ar-Raqqa

Northwest

  • Government, Russian attacks signal bloody start to the year in the northwest

  • UN extends use of Bab al-Hawa crossing for further six months

  • Snowstorms hit vulnerable and displaced in northwest

Summary

  • The closure of Semalka border crossing by Kurdistan Regional Government officials blocks aid, interrupts supply chains and causes shortages of basic commodities in the northeast.

  • Over 60 graduate doctors are recruited to work in hospitals throughout southern Syria, amid an exodus of healthcare professionals out of the country to higher paying positions abroad.

  • The UN extends use of Bab-al Hawa border crossing for humanitarian aid deliveries until June 2022.

  • The Syrian government attempts reconciliations in Ar-Raqqa, which are met with anger by tribal leaders.

  • The Syrian government takes control of sales of bottled water, reinstating a monopoly and signaling further control of basic goods and services.

  • Heavy snowfall hits northern Aleppo and Idleb’s displaced communities.

  • An attempted escape by ISIS prisoners leads to violence, military crackdown and insecurity throughout Al-Hasakeh, the worst caused by ISIS since its defeat in 2019.

  • Government and Russian forces continue to bombard civilians and infrastructure in opposition-held territory, northern Syria.