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Rukban: From Siege to Return
A decade-long humanitarian crisis brought to an end through sustained aid and advocacy
For nearly a decade, thousands of Syrians were trapped in Rukban Camp, a remote desert settlement with little access to food, medicine, or basic services.
Throughout this crisis, the Syrian Emergency Task Force (SETF) remained the only organization consistently providing humanitarian support inside the camp.
8,000+
people supported
650+ tons
of food delivered
2016–2024
years of sustained operations
16 doctors
visited the camp
A Lifeline in Isolation
SETF’s work included:
- Operating the only no-cost pharmacy in the camp
- Delivering essential medications and medical missions
- Supporting education with textbooks and school supplies
- Coordinating aid distribution and local partnerships
- Advocating internationally on behalf of camp residents
HOPE PHARMACY
(2019-2024)
SETF established and operated the only no-cost pharmacy in Rukban, known as Hope Pharmacy.
The pharmacy provided thousands of patients with free medicine, including treatments for chronic illnesses such as diabetes, as well as baby formula and essential supplies serving as the only consistent source of medical care in the camp.
7,462 civilians treated through the only no-cost pharmacy
BREAKING THE SIEGE
Operation Syrian Oasis: Breaking the Siege (2023)
In 2023, SETF launched Operation Syrian Oasis, becoming the first organization in four years to deliver aid directly into Rukban and break the humanitarian blockade.
The operation provided critical support in three key areas: health and nutrition, food security, and education.
Food Security
1,800 families supported
Food baskets delivered to nearly 8,000 people, along with seeds, irrigation equipment, and food supplies to support long-term nutrition.
Education
16,000 school books delivered
1,200+ students supported across 8 schools, with stipends for 60+ teachers
Health & Nutrition
3,000 prenatal vitamins
Provided for 600 pregnant women over four months, along with 1,662 units of baby formula to support nearly 900 young children.
LIFE-SAVING MEDICAL ACCESS
(2023-2024)
For years, no doctors were allowed into Rukban Camp.
Through coordination with the U.S. military, SETF facilitated the entry of 16 doctors through eight humanitarian delegations, using space-available military aircraft to reach the isolated camp.
These were the first doctors permitted into Rukban in years, providing urgently needed medical care to patients who had gone without treatment.
16 doctors visited the camp
SUSTAINING AN ENTIRE POPULATION
(20203 – 2024)
In 2024, SETF scaled its operations to meet urgent needs across the camp.
Through a USAID-supported effort, SETF delivered:
- 360 tons of food aid
- Reaching every family in Rukban, approximately 8,000 people
- Providing three months of food security
SETF also facilitated the entry of doctors into the camp, enabling life-saving medical care.
HOPE FOR RUKBAN
(Late 2024)
In late 2024, as families in Rukban faced the risk of starvation, communities across the United States mobilized.
Through the Hope for Rukban campaign, they helped deliver hundreds of gallons of baby formula and critical medicines, providing emergency support during one of the most severe periods of the crisis.
7,462 civilians treated through the only no-cost pharmacy
FROM DISPLACEMENT TO RETURN
(Early 2025)
Following the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024, Rukban’s remaining residents were finally able to return home.
SETF supported the repatriation and reintegration of families, helping bring an end to one of the longest displacement crises in Syria.
Families returned to communities including Homs, Tadmur, Quariatain, and Deir Ezzor.
SETF worked in coordination with the U.S. Department of Defense, Operation Inherent Resolve, the U.S. Military Denton Program, USAID, and Islamic Relief USA to deliver aid and sustain humanitarian operations inside the camp.
PARTNERSHIPS
SETF worked in coordination with:
- U.S. Department of Defense
- Operation Inherent Resolve
- U.S. Military Denton Program
- Global Justice
- Small School Support Project (SSSP)
- USAID
- Islamic Relief USA
- 8,000+ people supported
- 650+ tons of aid delivered
- A decade of sustained humanitarian access
- Operation Syrian Oasis broke a four-year blockade
