In a disheartening breach of the “de-escalation” accord in northern Syria, a recent shelling by the Syrian regime on a village in Idlib province has resulted in the tragic death of an 8-month-old infant and left four other civilians injured.
The targeted village, Sarmin, located to the east of Idlib, bore the brunt of the Syrian regime’s bombardment, leading to the devastating loss of the infant’s life and causing injuries to four civilians who were subsequently rushed to nearby hospitals.
Back in May 2017, Turkey, Russia, and Iran had jointly announced an agreement to establish a “de-escalation zone” encompassing Idlib and parts of Aleppo, Hama, and Latakia provinces during discussions held as part of the Astana meetings focused on resolving the Syrian conflict. However, the Syrian regime’s forces, along with their supporters, have persistently launched attacks on the region despite the ceasefire agreement inked on March 5, 2020.
The Syrian conflict has continued unabated since March 18, 2011, when the Syrian regime unleashed a brutal crackdown on protests that were denouncing human rights abuses within the country.
Over the years, the Syrian regime has extended citizenship to a significant number of individuals affiliated with Iran-backed militias in exchange for their participation in the conflict against the opposition since 2011.
Today, millions of displaced Syrians find themselves residing in camps located in northern and northwestern parts of Syria after fleeing relentless regime airstrikes targeting their villages, towns, and cities.
It is important to emphasize that international humanitarian law unequivocally forbids the targeting and intentional exposure of civilians to attacks, whether as groups or individuals. It underscores the paramount importance of preserving their lives, safeguarding their physical and mental well-being, ensuring their protection, and treating them humanely. This underscores the urgent need for the international community and human rights organizations to take action in order to shield the Syrian population from the ongoing violations they endure.
