Clashes Threaten Water Supply for Millions in Aleppo and Its Countryside
The Aleppo Water Establishment has warned of the dangers of ongoing clashes around the “Al-Khafsa” water station, which could lead to a water cut-off for over 4 million residents in Aleppo.
In its statement, the establishment reported that one of its employees lost his life due to clashes near the “Al-Khafsa” station, which is the main water supply for Aleppo. The statement further explained that continued fighting might force technical staff to leave the stations, leading to a complete shutdown of water services across the city.
The Aleppo Water Establishment urged in its statement for military actions to spare service facilities to ensure the continued provision of services to citizens.
Water supply was cut off in Aleppo for five days starting December 12, due to damage to the electrical networks feeding the treatment plants in both “Al-Khafsa” and the “Al-Babira” station, which pumps water to Aleppo, following the clashes in the area.
Located 100 km east of Aleppo, “Al-Khafsa” has been a battleground for over two weeks between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) on one side and factions of the “National Army” on the other, who recently took control of Manbij after the SDF’s withdrawal.
Despite calls for dialogue and peaceful resolutions, especially at this critical time, the confrontations continue, threatening to deprive millions of water.
Earlier, the UN Special Envoy to Syria, Geir Pedersen:
warned that mishandling the situation in northeastern Syria could have dire consequences for the entire country.
The Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria announced that the Tishrin Dam, one of
the region’s most vital dams, has completely stopped functioning after being targeted by Turkish
forces and their supported armed factions. This coincides with intense clashes between the SDF
and Turkish forces near the dam, south of the town of Ain al-Arab (Kobani) in northern Syria.
The dam, which holds about 1.8 billion cubic meters of water, supplies water and electricity to
several areas including Manbij, Ain al-Arab/Kobani, and Sarrin. Its stoppage threatens the lives of
hundreds of thousands of residents, leaving cities and towns without electricity or water,
exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.
As military tensions escalate and Turkish targeting of critical infrastructure in northern Syria
continues, the area faces an acute humanitarian crisis that could worsen without imminent
political solutions.
