The Weaponization of Water by State and Non-State Actors in Syria’s Civil War

Jeannie Sowers, University of New Hampshire (United States)

After 13 years of civil war, some 60 percent of Syria's hydrological infrastructure (i.e., water stations and wastewater treatment plants), has been destroyed by direct and indirect targeting. This level of destruction has left over half of the population lacking access to sufficient quantity and quality of water, resulting in the outbreak of waterborne diseases, malnutrition, and death. It has also compromised civilians' water, food, and economic security. Drawing on an original database tracking the targeting and destruction of hydrological infrastructure by state and non-state actors during this civil war, this paper seeks to compare techniques used by various actors along with their impact on the populations’ livelihoods and human security. An understanding of how various actors have weaponized water and the impact of this weaponization offers a lens into the work of humanitarian actors and governments in safeguarding access to basic services and restoration of infrastructure. With the fall of Bashar Al-Assad in December 2024, Syria will need to rebuild its hydrological infrastructure. This paper aims to examine the discourse and policies around formulating solutions for this important undertaking, especially as Syria is facing severe drought conditions. In the process, the paper furthers our understanding of the weaponization of water during prolonged conflicts.