Displaced children play in the courtyard of a school shelter in Hasakah province, northeastern Syria, Jan. 29, 2026. (Str/Xinhua)
DAMASCUS, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) said on Friday it is scaling up food aid for tens of thousands of families displaced by renewed fighting in northeastern Syria.
More than 165,000 people have fled homes in Al-Hasakah governorate, seeking shelter in schools, collective centers, and camps with few belongings, WFP said. The agency is providing ready-to-eat meals, date bars, nutritional supplements, and food boxes in Al-Hasakah, Kobani in Aleppo governorate, and Al Hol camp, where it aims to supply two months of assistance.
The displacement follows clashes between Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and forces loyal to the Syrian interim authority. A ceasefire earlier this week allowed partial returns in Aleppo, but conditions in Al-Hasakah remain fragile.
"Food security is national security. WFP stands ready to scale up assistance as needed," said Marianne Ward, WFP's country director in Syria, warning that donor support is critical amid years of economic hardship.
WFP also provides monthly food and cash transfers, school feeding, nutrition programs, and fortified flour to 300 bakeries, helping four million people access subsidized bread. Without additional funding, it may end the bread subsidy in April and scale back programs, worsening food insecurity for millions. ■
A displaced man rests in the courtyard of a school-converted shelter in Hasakah province, northeastern Syria, Jan. 29, 2026. (Str/Xinhua)
