ALEPPO — A large number of displaced Syrians arriving from Idlib province and the western and southern Aleppo countrysides have reached the city of al-Bab in the northeastern countryside of Aleppo, after escaping the military operation launched by Syrian regime forces and their allied fighters who took over large opposition-held areas. The air and ground bombings of villages and civilian towns in the countrysides of Idlib and Aleppo forced thousands of families to flee in the largest wave of displacement in record time.

The United Nations reported Feb. 21 that about 900,000 people have been displaced due to the fighting in Idlib since December.

Al-Bab, which is under the control of the Turkish-backed armed opposition in the Operation Euphrates Shield area, is considered one of the largest cities in the area and has undergone a great urban expansion during the past two years, qualifying it to receive more people. This is why a large number of displaced people chose it as their destination. But they still face many difficulties, the most important of which is being able to find housing due to the increased demand and the lack of housing for rent, while some landlords exploit the situation and require large sums.

Families are forced to sleep in temporary shelters established by the local council in the city, and activists are working to help the displaced cover living expenses until they find housing that suits their financial capabilities, which seem very pricey in light of the displacement crisis.