Syria: Thousands of civilians displaced in Daraa province as of June 21

Event

Thousands of civilians have reportedly been displaced in Daraa province as of Thursday, June 21, as Syrian government forces step up shelling in the area ahead of a government and Iran-backed militia offensive that is expected to be launched in the coming days. The UN said that shelling and clashes between pro-government and opposition rebel fighters had killed at least 20 people, including 11 in the city of Daraa, on Wednesday, June 20; Syrian state media reported that the Syrian army had shelled Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham positions in Al-Hirak and Busr Al-Harir.

Conflicting figures have been reported regarding the number of people displaced in recent days: the UN claims that 2500 have fled the shelling, while the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) alleges that 12,500 have been displaced. Additional fighting between pro-government and opposition fighters is expected in the coming days; further displacement of civilians in Daraa province is possible in affected areas.

Context

On June 14, the US Department of State said that the US would take "firm and appropriate measures" if the Syrian government violates an existing de-escalation zone and ceasefire agreed upon by US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in southwestern Syria. Opposition rebel fighters in Daraa and Al-Quneitra provinces had previously made clear that they would not reconcile with the Syrian government.

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.