This report summarizes the most important recent military developments surrounding the city of Raqqa and highlights the humanitarian and medical situation in the city following the progress of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the escalation of US-led coalition airstrikes.
Field developments:
The last few days have witnessed the progress of the SDF to the city of Raqqa. At the nearest point the SDF is 2 kilometers away from the city, and the farthest point 15 kilometers from the east, north and west. The southern side is still a weak point that complicates the process of isolating the city of Raqqa completely.
The southern side was a haven for civilians and ISIS soldiers who fled to al-Sokhna, al-Bukamal and al-Mayadin, following the advancement from several directions of the Syrian regime forces towards al-Badia in the desert in order to control the Syrian Desert in coordination with Hezbollah militias. This has impeded the exit of civilians from the south, especially with incidents occurring in which civilians fleeing from the south were targeted.
Mines were laid in the northern outskirts of the city around the 17th Division which used to be an army base for the Syrian government and now it is controlled by ISIS. The area north of the railway line was also mined, in addition to the farm of Hittin and the cemetery of Tel al-Bayahah.
Humanitarian Situation:
Recent events have led to:
– An increased frequency of bombing , and an increase in the number of civilian casualties over the last three days. The total number of civilian casualties has reached 70, including women and children.
– ISIS prevented civilians from leaving the city to the north.
– Severe shortages of medicines, bread and fuel in the city of Raqqa.
– The spread of panic and fear among civilians due to aerial bombardment.
– The displacement situation continued in the northern villages and the newly liberated villages, which in turn need urgent and emergency assistance:
The largest and the most important camps are: Ain Issa camp and the nearby villages, where the number of displaced persons who fled from the city of Raqqa and its villages reached 10,000. Al-Jarniyah, Mahmudli, al-Kalta and Khnez refugee camps.
The camps of the villages that are liberated and whose inhabitants are not allowed to return because of the security situation and the mines are: al-Ahous, al- Jdidat, al-Hamrat, al-Salhabiya, Tal Zaidan, al-Anadiya, Hzimeh and Tal al-Samen as specified in the map below.
Needs of the camps:
– Tents and shelters
– Food items such as bread and flour. Despite the emergence of relief kitchens there is a shortage of these items.
– Medicines, medical staff, medical aid, baby vaccines and baby formula. There is a shortage in all of these items.
– Potable water, especially in al-Ahous, al-Jdideh, al-Karameh and al-Kalta refugee camps.
The Syrian Civic Platform recommends the following:
Civilians must be considered neutral from the conflict and not targeted with bombardment in the city of Raqqa and its suburbs.
The platform emphasizes the need to open more safe crossings for civilians fleeing the war.
We call on humanitarian organizations to provide relief and medical supplies to civilians who have fled from the war-torn area.