Collapse of “Siege Tunnels” in Eastern Ghouta: Widespread Cave-Ins and Lost Maps Endanger Civilians
Drawing on field reporting and an analysis of publicly available content shared across social media platforms, this investigation documents the emergence of at least 10 cave-ins caused by ground collapses across towns and cities in Damascus’ Eastern Ghouta since the beginning of 2026.
The investigation links these incidents to the extensive network of tunnels excavated during the years of siege by the Assad regime forces between 2013 and 2018, examining the mounting risks posed by their gradual collapse. It also explores ongoing efforts to locate and deal with the tunnels, as well as the significant challenges created by the loss of the original tunnel maps—leaving authorities and residents alike uncertain about what lies beneath their communities.
