Water supply to Syria's Raqqa cut after Bridges over Euphrates destroyed

The water supply to the northern Syrian city of Raqqa has been completely severed following the reported destruction of bridges over the Euphrates River, according to Syria’s official news agency. The incident threatens a humanitarian crisis for residents already enduring prolonged conflict.

Infrastructure Attacks Disrupt Essential Services

The Syrian News Agency (SANA) reported on Sunday that water supplies to Raqqa were cut off after the SDF (Syrian Democratic Forces) blew up the Old Bridge. Citing the Raqqa Media Directorate, SANA stated that the main water pipelines supplying the city, which run along this bridge, were destroyed in the explosion. Subsequently, the agency reported that a second crossing, the New Al-Rashid Bridge in Raqqa, was also detonated.

Military Context of the Escalation

These destructive acts follow recent advances by the Syrian Arab Army in the region. Earlier, the army’s operations department announced that government forces had established full control over the strategic al-Tabqah district in Raqqa province after expelling YPG/SDF forces. The targeting of critical infrastructure such as bridges and water lines often occurs amid shifting front lines, impacting civilian populations most severely.

Mounting Humanitarian Concerns

The loss of the water supply poses an immediate and severe risk to public health and safety in Raqqa. Access to clean water is essential, and the destruction of two major bridges also cripples transport and movement in the area, complicating any emergency response or repair efforts. The situation underscores the recurring pattern where civilian infrastructure becomes collateral damage or a tactical target in the Syrian conflict.