Set Zaynab in southern Damascus experiences fragile peace amid sectarian challenges

Residents of the southern Damascus town of Al‑Qadam have been living under the lingering shadow of a conflict that has stretched across the region for more than a decade. Since the outbreak of the Syrian civil war in 2011, the town has experienced intermittent shelling, displacement of families, and damage to essential infrastructure, leaving daily routines marked by uncertainty and limited access to basic services. Humanitarian agencies report that while large‑scale fighting has receded, sporadic security incidents and the presence of unexploded ordnance continue to pose risks to civilians, reinforcing a pervasive sense of insecurity among the population.

Local authorities and aid organizations are now focusing on gradual reconstruction and the restoration of public utilities, hoping to create conditions that will allow residents to resume normal activities. Efforts include the repair of water and electricity networks, the clearance of hazardous debris, and the provision of psychosocial support to those affected by prolonged trauma. As these initiatives progress, community members remain cautiously optimistic, awaiting a period of sustained stability that would enable them to rebuild their lives and move beyond the fears that have defined the past ten years.