RIYADH — In a significant move to assist war-torn Syria, Saudi Arabia launched a humanitarian air bridge on January 1, 2025, delivering vital food, shelter, and medical supplies to the beleaguered nation.
The initiative, spearheaded by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief), is designed to provide relief to millions of Syrians enduring the devastating consequences of over a decade of civil war and ongoing humanitarian crises.
The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported that the air bridge aims to alleviate the severe hardships faced by the Syrian population, with the country still reeling from the impacts of the brutal conflict.
According to the United Nations, nearly 70% of Syria’s population is in need of humanitarian aid, and conditions have been made even more difficult by Western sanctions targeting the regime of Bashar al-Assad, who was ousted in 2023.
Abdullah al-Rabeeah, the head of KSrelief, confirmed that the air bridge would be followed by a land bridge in the coming days to further bolster aid efforts.
These steps come at a time when Syria’s infrastructure has been extensively damaged, and millions of Syrians remain displaced both within the country and across its borders.
The humanitarian aid includes essential supplies, such as food, medicine, and shelter materials, which are critical as the country struggles to rebuild its shattered economy and public health systems.
Syria’s healthcare system has particularly suffered, with the World Health Organization (WHO) reporting last week that approximately half of the country’s hospitals are no longer operational due to the ongoing conflict.
This exacerbates the already dire situation, with millions of Syrians lacking access to basic medical care.
The air bridge aims to address some of these pressing needs, bringing in much-needed resources to support medical facilities and improve conditions for displaced individuals.
The launch of the air bridge follows a series of diplomatic developments, including a high-ranking Saudi delegation’s visit to Damascus.
There, the delegation met with Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, whose Islamist group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, played a pivotal role in the overthrow of Assad in December 2023.
The meeting signals a shift in Saudi Arabia’s approach to Syria, as the country seeks to strengthen its influence and provide direct assistance to a nation still reeling from the aftermath of years of violent conflict.
In addition to Saudi Arabia’s efforts, other international actors, including the European Union and Ukraine, have also pledged aid to Syria.
The collective international response highlights the urgent need for coordinated efforts to support Syria’s recovery and address the immediate needs of its people.
This marks the latest chapter in Saudi Arabia’s ongoing humanitarian commitment to Syria, following the country’s earlier support after the devastating February 2023 earthquake.
The launch of the air bridge is expected to continue in the coming months, with further aid deliveries aimed at alleviating the suffering of the Syrian people and assisting in the country’s long road to recovery.
As the international community watches, Saudi Arabia’s efforts are expected to play a critical role in providing immediate relief and fostering long-term stability in the region.