White Helmets Expands Operations Amid Recent Developments in Syria

In light of the current situation in Syria and the rapid developments on the ground, The White Helmets (Syria Civil Defense) is launching a new program to address the humanitarian needs arising from these changes. Guided by the principles of humanitarian work and our commitment to stand with our people across all of Syria, this program aims to reach and assist civilians in all accessible areas while ensuring the logistical support required for our teams. This includes expanding our humanitarian and service operations to cover new cities and towns.

The initial stages of this program focus on delivering essential services such as search and rescue, first aid, firefighting, healthcare, the removal of war remnants, and other life-saving and life-supporting activities. The program will be implemented equitably, with a geographically distributed team deployment to address urgent needs as effectively as possible. This approach considers our limited resources, the extensive geographic area, and the significant needs on the ground.

The program targets inhabited residential areas, cities, towns, and villages where displaced residents are returning, while maintaining our ongoing operations in areas we currently serve.

Supporting the return of forcibly displaced Syrians to their homes is one of our top priorities. To facilitate safe and swift returns, we are clearing roads, removing war remnants, and providing emergency services. As part of this effort, we have launched an operational service campaign. Specialized teams began implementing the campaign’s initial phase on Sunday, December 1. The campaign will proceed in stages, adapting to evolving conditions on the ground and aligning with our operational capacities.

We reassure our communities that we are here to support and assist you, standing by your side to improve your quality of life. Our commitment to reaching all civilians across Syria is unwavering, as is our dedication to providing essential services while ensuring the safety and security of our volunteers. All White Helmets volunteers are identifiable by their uniforms, vehicles, and equipment marked with our insignia during their humanitarian missions.

We call on the international community to uphold its responsibility to protect civilians and vital infrastructure in accordance with international humanitarian law. We urge immediate action to provide life-saving assistance to prevent the worsening of humanitarian and living conditions. It is equally critical to protect humanitarian workers and first responders, enabling them to fulfill their duties and aid the population.

We also call on the United Nations and its agencies to support local humanitarian workers and Syrian organizations to ensure rapid and effective interventions, addressing the increasing needs of residents, particularly in cities and towns to which displaced populations are returning.