In northern Syria and Idlib, the Assad regime, along with its Russian and Iranian allies, has been carrying out relentless attacks on civilians and vital infrastructure. These ceaseless attacks are causing a significant number of casualties, including deaths and injuries, particularly among children and women.
Internationally banned weapons, such as incendiary and cluster munitions, have been used against civilians and in densely populated residential areas, causing immense human suffering and destruction of infrastructure.
The Assad regime’s recent attacks have increased in the City of Idlib, home to tens of thousands of displaced, and the number of injured and killed civilians increases daily. According to reports from the Syrian Civil Defense, also known as the White Helmets, 36 civilians were killed or wounded in the bombings on Saturday, October 7th alone. Among the victims were children and women, highlighting the callous nature of these attacks.
The attacks have not spared internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, which are meant to provide refuge for those fleeing violence. These camps have become targets themselves, forcing even more people to flee their homes in search of safety. The ongoing assaults on IDP camps demonstrate a complete disregard for the lives and well-being of vulnerable populations, with a camp on the outskirts of Idlib City suffering Assad regime shelling this morning.
Equally alarming is the deliberate targeting of medical centers and hospitals. The Ministry of Health released a statement saying, “The death toll so far has risen to 41, including 17 children and nine women, while the injured has reached 175, including 47 children and 35 women. As well as the targeting of a hospital and a health center.”
These facilities, which are meant to provide critical care to the wounded and sick, have become primary targets for the Assad regime. Reports indicate that hospitals and clinics in various locations, including Sarmeen and Idlib City, have been hit with heavy artillery fire, leaving medical staff and patients in grave danger. Today, in Idlib City, the National and University Hospitals as well as the Ibn Sina Hospital and the vital blood bank. Rocket attacks this morning in Sarmeen rendered the Women and Children’s Health Center inoperable.
The Directorate of Education, whose main building in Idlib City was also hit today, issued a decree extending the previous closure of universities and public and private schools, set to expire today, for the remainder of the week.
Humanitarian organizations, including the White Helmets and Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR), have called on the international community to take immediate action to protect civilians in Syria. Emphasizing the urgent need for a democratic political transition that can bring security and justice to the war-torn nation.
The increasing number of casualties, the targeting of IDP camps, and the deliberate attacks on medical facilities are clear violations of international humanitarian law. The international community must act to put an end to these atrocities and work towards a peaceful resolution that prioritizes the safety and well-being of the Syrian people.
