Syria Holds SDF Responsible for Halting Aleppo"s Main Water Supply

On January 10, 2026, the Syrian Ministry of Energy announced that water pumping operations from the Al-Babiri station, located in the eastern countryside of Aleppo, were halted at 5:30 p.m. This suspension was reportedly executed under direct orders from military personnel affiliated with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The Al-Babiri station serves as the primary water source for both Aleppo city and its surrounding areas, leading to significant concerns regarding the impact on local residents and essential services.

Key Details

The Al-Babiri water station, which is under the control of the SDF, is crucial for providing water to the population in Aleppo and its countryside. The abrupt cessation of water supply has raised alarms among local authorities, as it directly harms citizens’ access to clean water and disrupts basic services that rely on this vital resource.

The Syrian Ministry of Energy has publicly stated that they hold the SDF fully accountable for this deliberate interruption of water supply. They emphasized that such actions violate humanitarian and international laws and norms, highlighting the severity of the situation for the affected population.

Background

The SDF, a coalition primarily composed of Kurdish forces, has been involved in the ongoing conflict in Syria, which has seen various factions vying for control over different regions. The Al-Babiri station"s strategic importance cannot be overstated, as it not only serves the immediate needs of Aleppo"s residents but also plays a role in the broader humanitarian situation in the region. Access to clean water is a fundamental human right, and interruptions in supply can lead to severe public health crises.

Historically, water resources in conflict zones have been used as leverage in military strategies, with various groups controlling access to essential services to exert pressure on opposing factions or civilian populations. This latest incident reflects ongoing tensions and the complex dynamics at play in Syria"s protracted civil war.

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What"s Next

The immediate implications of this water supply interruption are dire for the residents of Aleppo, who may face shortages of clean water, leading to potential health risks and increased hardship. The Syrian government’s condemnation of the SDF’s actions may escalate tensions between the two groups, potentially leading to further conflict in the region.

As the situation develops, humanitarian organizations may need to intervene to provide emergency water supplies and support to the affected populations. The international community is likely to monitor this situation closely, given the implications for humanitarian law and the protection of civilians in conflict zones.

For further context on the ongoing conflict in Syria, readers can refer to recent developments regarding military actions in the region.