After an interruption lasting more than a full year, mobile telecommunications services have begun to gradually return to areas of northeast Syria, in a development that once again highlights the human rights implications resulting from the prolonged shutdown of networks for the region’s residents. The suspension of telecommunications services effectively isolated thousands of civilians from essential means of communication, raising concerns related to the right of access to information and communication in conflict-affected areas.
Local residents in the cities of al-Hasakah and al-Qamishli reported over the past few days the beginning of a gradual restoration of the mobile network operated by Syriatel, one of the telecommunications companies operating in Syria. This follows an interruption that lasted for more than a year in areas of northeast Syria that had been under the control of the Syrian Democratic Forces.
According to the available information, Syriatel had suspended its services in those areas following the arrival of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham to the capital, Damascus, on 8 December 2024. At the time, no official clarification was issued regarding the reasons for the network shutdown, which led to the complete cessation of voice call and SMS services, thereby isolating a broad segment of the population from basic means of communication.
During the period of disruption, residents of the region relied to a limited extent on the “Arcel” network operating in areas under the control of the Syrian Democratic Forces. However, this network was limited to providing mobile internet services without enabling voice call or SMS services, which created additional difficulties for residents, particularly with regard to activating accounts on social media platforms and digital services that require verification through text messages.
According to local testimonies, cellular coverage from the Syriatel network has gradually returned to the cities of al-Hasakah and al-Qamishli, while other cities remain outside the coverage area so far, including al-Malikiyah/Derik, Amuda, and al-Darbasiyah.
This development comes in the context of the agreement announced on 29 January between the authorities in Damascus and the Syrian Democratic Forces regarding a ceasefire, within a broader understanding that includes steps toward the gradual integration of military forces and administrative structures between the two sides. The agreement was preceded by military operations carried out by the interim authority in areas under the control of the Syrian Democratic Forces, particularly in Kurdish-majority areas, during which serious violations against Kurdish civilians were documented according to human rights reports.
The suspension of telecommunications services in conflict areas for prolonged periods has direct consequences for the civilian population, as it limits their ability to communicate, seek assistance, or access information. It also obstructs their contact with the outside world, their relatives, and humanitarian organizations. Accordingly, access to means of communication constitutes a fundamental element in the protection of civilians in situations of armed conflict.
