03 Jul 2018 | 02:07 AM UTC
Syria: Fighting displaces 270,000 in Daraa and Quneitra as of July 2 /update 2
Fighting in Daraa and Quneitra provinces displaces over 270,000 people as of July 2; Syrian refugees in Lebanon begin to return to Rif Dimashq province
Event
Fighting in Daraa and Quneitra provinces has displaced more than 270,000 people in two weeks as of Monday, July 2, as Syrian government forces have intensified their efforts to retake opposition-controlled areas. Opposition rebel fighters are reportedly split over whether to accept Russian-brokered ceasefire deals in the area; over 130 civilians have been killed in the offensive, according to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR). Many of those displaced have reportedly sought refuge near the borders with Jordan and the Israeli-administered Golan Heights, according to the UN. Jordanian officials have said that they cannot handle accepting additional refugees from Syria; Israel has maintained that it will not allow Syrian refugees into its territory.
This uptick in human displacement in southwestern Syria comes as hundreds of Syrian refugees have begun to return to the Qalamoun region of Rif Dimashq province from eastern Lebanon in recent days. Additional fighting between pro-government and opposition rebel fighters is expected in southwestern Syria in the coming days.
Context
Southwestern Syria had been relatively calm for the past year because of a "de-escalation" agreement brokered by the US, Jordan, and Russia. The US has yet to respond to the Syrian government's violation of the agreement, despite a previous commitment to take "firm and appropriate measures."
Syria remains enmeshed in a complex civil war that started between the Assad government and opposition forces in March 2011. Today, the conflict in Syria involves many parties, including the Syrian government, the Russian government, the Iranian government, the Turkish government, a US-led coalition, and numerous armed groups on the ground (including the Islamic State) with competing goals.
Advice
Due to extremely poor security conditions, Western governments generally advise against all travel to Syria, with some banning travel to the country. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to any travel to Syria.
