In a new escalation that reflects the continued deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Syria, the Syrian regime and its Russian ally carried out violent airstrikes on civilian areas in Idlib Governorate, northwest Syria.
The attacks, which mainly targeted population centers and displacement camps, left civilian victims, most of whom were women and children, raising questions about the Syrian regime and its allies’ disregard for the basic principles of international humanitarian law.
Serious violations against civilians
In one of the bloodiest incidents, a Russian aircraft targeted a displacement camp in the village of Harbanush, north of Idlib, killing seven people, five children and two women, and seriously wounding 12 others.
Such attacks on displaced people who had previously fled conflict areas are a clear violation of the principle of protecting civilians during armed conflict.
In another incident; a Syrian Su-22 aircraft carried out an airstrike on Idlib city and Maarat Misrin town, killing three people and wounding several others.
This pattern of bombing, which repeatedly targets civilian areas, indicates that the Syrian regime and its allies are deliberately targeting civilians indiscriminately, which constitutes a war crime under international law.
Targeting humanitarian infrastructure
Moreover, vital facilities in Idlib have been attacked by the Syrian regime and its allies, including hospitals, medical centers, and schools.
Such attacks cause long-term damage to civilian infrastructure and exacerbate the suffering of the population, in clear violation of international laws that prohibit targeting civilian objects.
This military escalation in Idlib has displaced thousands of families towards the Turkish border amid dire humanitarian conditions that lack the minimum necessities of life.
The United Nations has called for an immediate cessation of attacks, compliance with international law, and the provision of urgent humanitarian support to the displaced people.
The Syrian regime’s escalation of its attacks against civilians and vital facilities constitutes a clear violation of human rights and international humanitarian law, while the absence of international accountability opens the door for more violations.
It is worth noting that the current situation in Syria requires urgent international action to stop this humanitarian tragedy and ensure the protection of civilians, while opening independent investigations to bring those responsible for these crimes to justice.
