Iraq says ‘plans in place’ amid concerns over potential collapse of Syria’s Tishreen Dam

BAGHDAD – Iraq’s Ministry of Water Resources sought to calm concerns on Monday about the potential collapse of the Tishreen Dam on the Euphrates River in Syria following reports of damage caused by ongoing military operations. The ministry said that Iraq has sufficient reservoir capacity in the Haditha Dam and the Habbaniyah and Razzaza lakes to absorb any potential floodwaters.

Ali Radi, director general of the General Authority for Dams and Reservoirs at the ministry, told the state run channel Al-Iraqiya, “We have seen reports on social media indicating that the Tishreen Dam in Syria has been damaged due to military operations in the region between Aleppo and Raqqa governorates.”

Radi added that Iraq’s storage infrastructure provides a significant safety net. “Iraq has substantial storage capacity in the Haditha Dam and the Habbaniyah and Razzaza lakes on the Euphrates River. In the event of large water inflows, these facilities are capable of accommodating any excess,” he said. “All contingency plans are in place to handle any potential water surges.”

He said that the Ministry of Water Resources has taken all necessary precautions to manage any sudden increases in water levels along the Euphrates. “We are fully prepared to handle any incoming water waves,” Radi stated.

Meanwhile, the Strategic Group of Independent Syrian Experts expressed deep concern over reports that the Tishreen Dam, located in the countryside of Manbij in eastern Aleppo, had been damaged during clashes between the Syrian National Army, affiliated with the armed Syrian opposition, and the Syrian Democratic Forces. The group warned that the damage could lead to rising water levels, posing a significant risk of flooding.

“The current situation requires urgent action to prevent a potential humanitarian disaster,” the group said in a statement.

The Tishreen Dam, situated 100 kilometers from Aleppo, spans approximately 900 meters and features six turbines for electricity generation. Operational since 1999, it plays a critical role in the region’s water and power supply.