SAMS Responds to Mass Casualty Explosion near Idlib, Syria

SAMS Responds to Mass Casualty Explosion near Idlib, Syria

July 24, 2025

The Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) is deeply alarmed by today’s devastating explosion near the city of Idlib in northwest Syria, which resulted in mass casualties. The blast occurred near the SAMS-supported Maarat Misrin Hospital, which has already received more than 92 wounded individuals, many in critical condition. The source of the explosion remains under investigation.

Despite sustaining minor damage to both Maarat Misrin and Avicenna Hospitals, SAMS medical teams immediately mobilized to provide life-saving emergency care. As the largest nonprofit healthcare provider in Syria, SAMS is urgently assessing the situation on the ground, coordinating with partners and the Ministry of Health, and activating referral pathways to ensure the continuity of care.

SAMS anticipates a need for emergency medical supplies, trauma medications, and additional staff capacity to manage the influx of patients. Our teams are working around the clock in close coordination with the Idlib Health Directorate and other local partners to ensure a swift and effective response.

“This explosion is a heartbreaking reminder of the ongoing fragility and danger faced by civilians and healthcare workers throughout Syria,” said Dr. Aref Rifai, President of SAMS. “Hospitals are sanctuaries of healing and recovery — not the frontlines of mass casualty events. We are proud of our brave medical teams across Syria who continue to deliver life-saving, dignified care under the most perilous conditions.”

SAMS provides free, high-quality healthcare in every governorate of Syria in collaboration with the Ministry of Health. In 2024 alone, SAMS delivered 4.2 million medical services and hosted hundreds of educational webinars to support and train Syria’s next generation of medical professionals.

To support our emergency response and help us save lives, please visit www.sams-USA.net.

The Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) is a nonprofit, non-political organization that works on the front lines of crisis relief, providing medical and humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable in Gaza, Syria, its neighboring countries, and beyond. Last year, SAMS provided lifesaving medical services to 3.6 million people.