Six-Month Project to Clear 550,000 Cubic Meters of Rubble

Syria's Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management, in coordination with the Aleppo Governorate, has officially launched a large-scale rubble removal project covering the northern Jabal Samaan and Afrin (Afrin/Azaz) districts of rural Aleppo. The project was inaugurated on Sunday, 19 April 2026, in the presence of Minister of Emergency and Disaster Management Raed al-Saleh and Aleppo Governor Azzam al-Ghareeb, alongside local community representatives. Field operations commenced in the town of Andan within the northern Jabal Samaan district.

Project Scope and Objectives

The project is considered one of the largest debris clearance operations in the region, given the extensive destruction sustained by infrastructure during years of bombardment. It is scheduled to run for six months and targets the removal of approximately 550,000 cubic meters of rubble across more than 30 cities and towns within the two districts.

The estimated volume of debris in the northern Jabal Samaan district stands at approximately 460,000 cubic meters, while the Azaz district accounts for more than 88,000 cubic meters.

Targeted Towns and Villages

Towns targeted in the northern Jabal Samaan district include:

• al-Layramoun, Kafr Hamra, Hraytan, Andan, Hayyan, Bayanoun, Rityan
• Handarat, Bashkawi, Kafr Bassin, al-Tammourah, Maarat al-Artiq, Tall Musaybin

Towns targeted in the Azaz district include:

• Meng, Maranaz, Shawargha, al-Malkiyah, al-Alqamiyah, Harbal, Umm Hawsh
• Sheikh Hilal, Tall Jabeen, Mayer, Tall Rifaat, Kafr Khashir, al-Sheikh Issa, Hardatin, Maarasat al-Khan, Kafeen

Implementation Methodology and Recycling

The project will be executed in successive phases covering removal, transport, recycling, and reuse, with the possibility of launching additional phases as needed. A portion of the cleared debris will be recycled for use in agricultural road maintenance or the production of new building materials.

The project also provides a formal mechanism for private property owners wishing to have debris removed from their land, allowing them to submit an official request to have the work carried out within the project's regulatory framework.

Progress to Date

As of Saturday, 13 June 2026, the Ministry reported that approximately 186,000 cubic meters of rubble had been removed from cities and towns in the northern Aleppo countryside. A subsequent report stated that roughly 197,300 cubic meters of debris had been transported, equivalent to about 36 percent of the project's total target. According to Ahmed al-Hassan, Risk Assessment Specialist and project supervisor at the Emergency and Disaster Management Directorate in Aleppo, technical crews had fully completed their work in several towns of the Azaz district, namely Tall Rifaat, Mayer, al-Sheikh Issa, Sheikh Hilal, and Tall Jabeen, as well as in the towns of Andan and Hraytan in the northern Jabal Samaan district. Operations were continuing in Meng, alongside Kafr Hamra, Hayyan, and Rityan. These figures are progress updates published during implementation and are expected to change as work proceeds.

Legislative and National Framework

The project forms part of the Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management's national plan to accelerate recovery and facilitate the return of displaced residents to their communities. It is implemented under Decree No. 59 of 2026, issued by Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa on 10 March, which mandates the formation of a ministerial committee tasked with rehabilitating infrastructure in war-affected areas as a prerequisite for the return of residents.

Minister al-Saleh affirmed that debris clearance constitutes the first and most fundamental step in the recovery process, as it creates a safer environment for residents and paves the way for rebuilding essential infrastructure. He noted that the scope of work will extend to cover the northern, western, and southern Aleppo countryside as well as the city of Aleppo itself, to be followed by integrated infrastructure rehabilitation projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the goal of the project?
To remove approximately 550,000 cubic meters of rubble across more than 30 cities and towns in the northern Jabal Samaan and Azaz districts of rural Aleppo, over a six-month period.

When was the project launched and who inaugurated it?
It was launched on Sunday, 19 April 2026, in the presence of Minister of Emergency and Disaster Management Raed al-Saleh and Aleppo Governor Azzam al-Ghareeb. Field operations began in the town of Andan.

How much rubble has been removed so far?
As of 13 June 2026, the Ministry reported approximately 186,000 cubic meters removed. A later report cited about 197,300 cubic meters transported, equivalent to roughly 36 percent of the target. These figures are interim updates that change as work continues.

How is the debris volume distributed between the two districts?
The northern Jabal Samaan district holds an estimated 460,000 cubic meters, while the Azaz district accounts for more than 88,000 cubic meters.

What happens to the removed rubble?
A portion is recycled for use in agricultural road maintenance or the production of new building materials, as part of phases covering removal, transport, recycling, and reuse.

Can private property owners request debris removal?
Yes. Owners wishing to have debris removed from their land may submit an official request to have the work carried out within the project's regulatory framework.

Under what legal framework is the project implemented?
It is implemented under Decree No. 59 of 2026, issued by President Ahmad al-Sharaa on 10 March, which mandates a ministerial committee to rehabilitate infrastructure in war-affected areas as a prerequisite for residents' return.

Will the project expand beyond these two districts?
Minister al-Saleh stated that the scope will extend to the northern, western, and southern Aleppo countryside and the city of Aleppo, to be followed by integrated infrastructure rehabilitation projects.