Since the fall of the Government in Damascus on 08 December 2024, clashes have been reported in Menbij (Aleppo Governorate) and Deir-ez-Zor, with less fighting reported in other areas. Conflict has damaged civilian infrastructure and humanitarian assets, and disrupted services, in northeast Syria.

Over a decade into Syria’s devastating civil war, the scale, severity, and complexity of humanitarian needs remain extensive. Having become the world’s largest displacement crisis, 16.7 million people are assessed to need humanitarian assistance across Syria, up from 15.3 million in 2023. Further, the ongoing fuel and electricity crisis in Syria has left many families without means of power.

The ETC was activated in Syria on 14 January 2013 to provide shared security communications and internet connectivity services to the humanitarian community responding to the crisis. The ETC is operating under the Whole of Syria (WoS) approach which also comprises activities in neighbouring countries (Turkiye) for an effective humanitarian response inside Syria.

ETC communications services are provided across eight common humanitarian areas – Aleppo, Damascus, Deir Ez-Zor, Hama, Homs, Tartous, Qamishli, and Gaziantep in Turkiye. These communication services enable responders to work, stay safe in the field and communicate with colleagues.