Rukban Camp Humanitarian Operations
Overview
The Syrian Emergency Task Force (SETF) is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization operating humanitarian, stabilization, and recovery programs inside Syria. SETF works directly with communities on the ground, international donors, and government partners to deliver humanitarian assistance, education programs, medical support, and recovery initiatives in complex environments.
SETF’s work in Rukban Camp demonstrates the organization’s operational capacity to deliver large-scale humanitarian assistance in restricted and high-risk environments, coordinate with military and international partners, and manage complex humanitarian programs inside Syria.
Rukban Camp Background
Rukban Camp, located in the 55 km deconfliction zone near the Jordanian border, housed thousands of internally displaced Syrians who fled ISIS, the Assad regime, and conflict across Syria. For nearly a decade, the camp was under siege by the Assad regime and its Russian and Iranian allies, and residents were deprived of food, medicine, education, and medical care.
From approximately 2016 until December 2024, thousands of civilians endured extremely harsh humanitarian conditions. After the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024, the camp’s approximately 8,000 residents began returning home, ending one of the longest displacement crises in Syria. Throughout these years, SETF was the only organization consistently providing aid and services inside Rukban Camp.
SETF Operations in Rukban
SETF maintained long-term humanitarian operations in Rukban and served as the primary humanitarian lifeline for the camp.
SETF’s work included:
- Operating the only no-cost pharmacy in the camp
- Providing essential medications to thousands of residents
- Bringing doctors into the camp for life-saving medical missions
- Supporting education programs and delivering textbooks and school supplies
- Coordinating with civilian leadership and local partners
- Conducting international advocacy on behalf of camp residents
Operation: Syria Oasis (2023)
on Rukban
In 2023, SETF launched Operation: Syria Oasis, becoming the first humanitarian organization in four years to deliver aid directly to Rukban and effectively break the humanitarian blockade.
SETF delivered food aid, agricultural equipment, seeds, irrigation tools, and school supplies for over 1,000 children, helping improve food security and education access in the camp.
Large-Scale Food and Medical Operations (2024)
In 2024, SETF facilitated the entry of the first doctors into Rukban to perform urgent and life-saving medical treatments.
That same year, SETF secured a USAID grant and delivered approximately 360 tons of food aid to every family in the camp – approximately 8,000 people – providing three months of food support that sustained the population until December 2024 when residents were able to return home.
Final Repatriation of Rukban Families
Following the fall of the Assad regime, SETF facilitated the transportation and reintegration of the remaining families in Rukban Camp, helping end one of the longest displacement crises in Syria. Families returned to their home communities in Homs, Tadmur, Quariatain, and Deir Ezzor with support funded through Islamic Relief USA.
Final Repatriation of Rukban Families
Following the fall of the Assad regime, SETF facilitated the transportation and reintegration of the remaining families in Rukban Camp, helping end one of the longest displacement crises in Syria. Families returned to their home communities in Homs, Tadmur, Quariatain, and Deir Ezzor with support funded through Islamic Relief USA.
Collaboration with the U.S. Military
SETF worked closely with the U.S. Department of Defense, Operation Inherent Resolve, and the U.S. Military Denton Program to transport humanitarian aid and medical teams into the Rukban deconfliction zone.
With support from the U.S. military, SETF distributed over 650 tons of emergency food aid, facilitated medical missions, and coordinated humanitarian operations in a restricted military zone.
This partnership demonstrates SETF’s ability to coordinate humanitarian programs in complex security environments and work with government and military partners.
Demonstrated Organizational Capabilities
Through its operations in Rukban, SETF demonstrated the ability to:
Humanitarian Programs
- Food aid distribution
- Medical missions and pharmacy operations
- Education support programs
- Agricultural and sustainability programs
- Repatriation and reintegration support
Logistics and Access
- Deliver aid into restricted and conflict areas
- Coordinate transportation of humanitarian supplies
- Operate inside military deconfliction zones
- Manage large-scale distributions and population support
Partnerships and Grant Management
- U.S. Department of Defense
- USAID
- Islamic Relief USA
- Local civilian leadership and partners
- Grant management, needs assessments, and program implementation
Conclusion
SETF’s work in Rukban Camp represents one of the most comprehensive humanitarian operations conducted by a non-governmental organization in a restricted conflict zone in Syria. The organization successfully provided humanitarian aid, medical care, education support, large-scale food distributions, and ultimately facilitated the repatriation of displaced families.The Rukban operation demonstrates SETF’s unique ability to operate on the ground in Syria, manage complex humanitarian programs, coordinate with military and international partners, and deliver meaningful impact for displaced and vulnerable populations.