The Humanitarian Action Coordination (HAC) office in Idlib has condemned Russian airstrikes targeting overcrowded civilian camps during a UN humanitarian mission. The attacks, which occurred yesterday, October 14, 2024, endangered both civilians and members of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) delegation, according to an official statement released by HAC.
The OCHA delegation, led by Deputy Regional Coordinator David Carden, was granted a transit permit by HAC to visit several camps in northwestern Syria. The mission aimed to assess the humanitarian needs of displaced populations in the region. During their visit, the surrounding areas were struck by Russian aircraft, specifically targeting the densely populated camps west of Idlib.
The HAC’s statement strongly condemned the attack, accusing the Assad regime and its Russian ally of blatant disregard for international law and the safety of civilians. The office stressed that the airstrikes not only posed an imminent threat to local residents but also to international humanitarian personnel present in the area during the attack.
“This airstrike is a clear violation of international law, and the Assad regime and its Russian ally must be held accountable for their actions,” the HAC statement declared. The office called on the international community to take immediate steps to hold those responsible for the attacks accountable and to prevent future violations.
The statement emphasized the continued risks faced by humanitarian workers in conflict zones and called attention to the need for global efforts to ensure the protection of civilians and aid workers operating in war-torn regions.
This attack marks another episode in the ongoing conflict in Syria, where the involvement of foreign powers like Russia has escalated violence and spread terror in the liberated areas. As the humanitarian crisis deepens, international organizations continue to call for action to safeguard the lives of civilians and prevent further escalations.