In a disturbing escalation of violence, Assad regime forces, supported by Russian military units, have intensified their use of suicide drones to target civilian areas in northern Syria. These remotely piloted, explosive-laden FPV (First Person View) drones have been used on an almost daily basis to terrorize and attack civilians in the Aleppo, Hama, and Idlib regions, causing widespread fear and significant damage to infrastructure.
On Wednesday, August 14, regime forces launched a series of drone attacks in the western countryside of Aleppo, targeting six civilian vehicles near the towns of Atareb and Kafr Nouran. According to local sources, these drone strikes resulted in injuries to two children. However, in an increasing trend, residents managed to shoot down two of the drones using hunting rifles. A video circulating on social media captured the moment one of the drones was downed by a civilian in the area.
In addition to the drone attacks, Russian artillery fire struck the vicinity of the town of Fleifel in Jabal al-Zawiya, Idlib countryside. Hours later, regime forces shelled residential neighborhoods and agricultural lands in the towns of Maarblit, Majdalia, and Maartabai, southeast of Idlib. The Syrian Civil Defense reported that these artillery strikes caused material damage but fortunately did not result in any casualties.
The use of suicide drones has become a grim daily reality for residents of northern Syria, particularly those living near front-line areas in Aleppo, Idlib, and Hama. These attacks not only inflict physical damage but also severely disrupt daily life. The Syrian Civil Defense, also known as the White Helmets, has highlighted how the continuous drone assaults undermine the ability of civilians to carry out essential activities, such as farming and transportation, and contribute to a growing sense of insecurity that threatens to displace more families from their homes.
The situation is further aggravated by the fact that drone operations are increasingly sophisticated and deadly. On July 21, the Idlib countryside witnessed one of the most violent drone assaults to date, with 21 drones launching coordinated attacks across multiple locations. The first four months of this year alone saw 41 documented drone attacks by regime and Russian forces, resulting in the deaths of three civilians and injuries to 18 others, including women and children.
The international community has expressed concern over the escalating use of suicide drones in Syria. On July 11, the UK condemned the Assad regime’s increased reliance on these drones, particularly their impact on civilians in the northwest of the country.
Despite such condemnation, the attacks have persisted, with Russian forces reportedly playing a significant role in the operation and control of these drones. According to the Idlib Aviation Observatory, Russian crews are believed to be directly responsible for the targeting of civilian areas with FPV suicide drones.
In response to this relentless assault, local communities have shown remarkable resilience. Residents of Kafr Nouran and Maarat al-Naasan shot down FPV drones aimed at their towns, preventing further casualties. However, the overall toll of these attacks remains severe, with extensive damage to homes, vehicles, and essential infrastructure.
