24 May 2023
For the first time since 2019, a UNDSS supported Inter-Agency (IA) crossline mission of the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) was deployed into Tell Abyad in northeast Syria to provide critical humanitarian assistance to local communities and internally displaced persons (IDPs), based on a multi-sectoral humanitarian needs assessment. The mission was coordinated by UNOCHA in collaboration with other UN agencies including WHO, UNICEF, UNHCR, UNFPA, WFP, and UNDSS.
Ongoing shelling of the Armed groups in several areas in northeast Syria along with different IED (improvised explosive device) attacks held by ISIS have caused extreme economic instability and a substantial displacement crisis within the region. The town of Tell Abyad, situated on the border with Turkey in north-eastern Syria, is among the most severely affected areas.
UNDSS played a pivotal role in the successful execution of the mission, spearheading pre-mission risk assessment, operational strategy planning and security measure implementation. "The primary concern is convoy safety as we face threats of mortar and artillery shelling from armed groups, mines and unexploded ordnance, as well as improvised explosive devices (IEDs)", according to UNDSS Area Security Advisor Mr. Abid Sheraz. He led several critical meetings on road safety and personal security for all mission participants. Additionally, measures are taken to equip all participants with essential knowledge and skills to respond to any emergency situation. This included providing BSAFE and SSAFE training to personnel and ensuring the presence of trained Emergency Trauma Bag (ETB) personnel onboard to handle any potential injuries among the staff during the mission.
A significant challenge during the operation was time pressure. ¡°Timekeeping and following up with offloading supply is challenging for us since we are up against a hard deadline ¨C the sunset,¡± shared UNDSS Area Security Advisor Mr. Abid Sheraz. Nevertheless, the strategic planning and meticulous execution of the team overcame the adversities. The mission was accomplished with success, timely delivering critical supplies to an estimated population of 9,200 beneficiaries, including local inhabitants and IDPs. Looking forward, UNDSS is already in the preparatory stages of facilitating another mission aimed at the Northeast region, with the goal of expanding the reach of necessary aid and services to those most affected by the ongoing conflict.