Syria Faces Humanitarian Crisis Post-Assad Regime Fall

Following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in December, Syria is experiencing both hope and hardship as families begin to return to their homes, especially in areas like Idlib Province. While over 372,000 refugees and nearly 2 million internally displaced people have returned, Syria's ability to absorb and support these returnees remains uncertain due to destroyed infrastructure, limited services, and ongoing danger from landmines. The widespread presence of landmines and unexploded ordnance, left by Assad's forces, continues to inflict civilian casualties, with organizations reporting a significant increase in injuries and deaths since the regime's overthrow. Meanwhile, the new transitional government, led by Sharaa, has pledged to form an inclusive administration and temporarily suspended the Syrian constitution as it seeks to stabilize the country. Drug trafficking, especially of Captagon, also remains a central factor in Syria's fractured political landscape and economy, having been instrumental to Assad's regime and likely to persist as a source of regional power. International support and long-term planning are considered crucial for ensuring safe, voluntary returns and rebuilding Syria's future.