The evolving disaster puts further strain on Syria's struggling emergency services and highlights the fragility of the nation post-civil war.
**Wildfires Ravage Syria Amid Worst Drought in Decades**
**Wildfires Ravage Syria Amid Worst Drought in Decades**
Syria's recent wildfires have devastated over 14,000 hectares, sparked by severe drought and exacerbating the country's ongoing crises.
Syria is facing unprecedented wildfires that have scorched more than 14,000 hectares, an area approximately the same size as Washington, D.C. This devastating situation is fueled by the worst drought the country has endured in decades, impacting the already fragile landscape of the mountainous Latakia region along the Mediterranean coast. Here, lush forests have turned into dry kindling over months of extreme heat and inadequate rainfall, according to meteorologists and humanitarian organizations.
The United Nations reports that thousands of citizens have been affected by the wildfires, with hundreds of families forced to flee their residences. The disaster presents a significant challenge for Syria's recently established leadership as it seeks to guide the nation toward stability, still deeply affected by a violent 13-year civil conflict.
The Syrian Civil Defense, popularly known as the White Helmets, once renowned for its rescue operations in conflict-ridden regions, is now leading firefighting efforts. Nevertheless, years of sanctions against the Assad regime have severely depleted local resources. Firefighting operations are hindered by shortages of diesel fuel and essential spare parts for firefighting vehicles. Additionally, crews are encountering dangerous conditions due to rugged terrain still littered with remnants of unexploded ordnance from past battles.
The coastal Latakia region, traditionally a stronghold of Assad's loyalist supporters and home to the majority of Syria’s Alawite minority, is increasingly volatile. Recent incidents of sectarian violence have culminated in mass killings, further destabilizing the area and adding to the urgency of the current crisis.
The United Nations reports that thousands of citizens have been affected by the wildfires, with hundreds of families forced to flee their residences. The disaster presents a significant challenge for Syria's recently established leadership as it seeks to guide the nation toward stability, still deeply affected by a violent 13-year civil conflict.
The Syrian Civil Defense, popularly known as the White Helmets, once renowned for its rescue operations in conflict-ridden regions, is now leading firefighting efforts. Nevertheless, years of sanctions against the Assad regime have severely depleted local resources. Firefighting operations are hindered by shortages of diesel fuel and essential spare parts for firefighting vehicles. Additionally, crews are encountering dangerous conditions due to rugged terrain still littered with remnants of unexploded ordnance from past battles.
The coastal Latakia region, traditionally a stronghold of Assad's loyalist supporters and home to the majority of Syria’s Alawite minority, is increasingly volatile. Recent incidents of sectarian violence have culminated in mass killings, further destabilizing the area and adding to the urgency of the current crisis.
