The World Bank has estimated that Syria’s post-civil war reconstruction could cost up to $216 billion, following over 13 years of conflict in the country. This assessment comes as Syria’s new Islamist authorities face significant challenges in rebuilding the nation after the overthrow of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad.

The Syrian civil war, which began in 2011 with Assad’s brutal suppression of anti-government protests, has resulted in the deaths of over half a million people and widespread devastation of the country’s infrastructure. According to the World Bank’s report, the conflict has damaged nearly one-third of Syria’s pre-conflict gross capital stock, with direct physical damages to infrastructure, residential buildings, and non-residential buildings estimated at $108 billion.

Infrastructure has been the hardest hit, accounting for 48 percent of total damage, equivalent to $52 billion. The report estimates that the costs of physical assets range between $140 billion and $345 billion, with a conservative best estimate of $216 billion. Aleppo province and the Damascus countryside, which were major rebel strongholds subjected to heavy bombardment during the early years of the war, have borne the brunt of most of the destruction.

The World Bank’s Middle East division director, Jean-Christophe Carret, stated that the challenges ahead are immense, but the organization stands ready to work alongside the Syrian people and the international community to support recovery and reconstruction. The estimated reconstruction costs are ten times greater than Syria’s projected 2024 GDP.

Since Assad’s fall, Syria’s new authorities have been working to attract investment for reconstruction, signing agreements with several companies and governments, including Gulf countries. Syrian Finance Minister Mohammed Barnieh emphasized that the report provides a critical baseline of the massive scale of the destruction and of the reconstruction costs ahead, and called for the international community to mobilize support and partnership to help Syria restore essential infrastructure and lay the foundation for a more resilient future.

The World Bank’s estimates underscore the significant resources required to rebuild Syria and restore the country’s infrastructure, economy, and communities. As the international community considers its role in supporting Syria’s reconstruction, the report serves as a critical reminder of the immense challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.