The United States Institute of Peace released a study by Cassandra Schneider, Senior Program Officer Climate, Environment & Conflict, entitled “Protecting Water Infrastructure During War”. It reads:
The weaponization of water resources is among the most devastating tools used in violent conflict. And while this tactic has been pervasive throughout history, it’s on the rise. State and non-state actors across the globe are increasingly exploiting the capture, control and outright destruction of water resources and related infrastructure to inflict indiscriminate human suffering and further their own strategic and military aims. To put this devastating trend into historical context: Out of all the recorded incidents targeting water infrastructure over the last 2,000 years, 41 percent have occurred since 2020.
Three contemporary examples — Ukraine, Somalia and Yemen — reveal the full breadth of consequences associated with the weaponization of water. The water insecurity resulting from attacks on infrastructure in these countries profoundly undermines critical food, energy and socioeconomic systems. And a lack of reliable access to clean water in these places often limits chances for conflict stabilization, peacebuilding and economic recovery efforts.
Consequently, the United States, its allies and the international community writ large should prioritize engagement across the diplomacy, defense, and development nexus to protect civilian water infrastructure during wartime.
