Idlib Civilian Death Toll Reaches 42 – Latest Global News
Russian and Syrian Forces Launch Attack on Civilian Settlements in Idlib, Resulting in Casualties
According to reports from Aircraft Observatory officials, the Syrian army, with the support of Russia, initiated an assault on 61 civilian settlements within the Idlib Tension Reduction Zone between October 5th and 9th.
The recent attacks targeted 54 settlements in Idlib, 4 in Aleppo, and 3 in the Hama province over the past five days. Specifically, Daret izze and Eterib, Cisir Eş Şugur and Eriha districts in Idlib and Aleppo, as well as Bazahir, Dana, Hizre, Binniş Bisenkul, Afes, Keferlete, Sermin, Maratnasan, Termeden, Neyrab Betinte, Deyrsünbül, Rami, Marbellit, Intensive land and air attacks were carried out on the villages of Beynin, Mağara, Mıntif, Serce, Banabur, İhsim, Musybin, Fattira, Kefernecid, San, Korin, Takad, Sahara, Ebzimo, and Keferamme.
These attacks intensified following an incident where the Syrian army graduation ceremony at the military academy in Homs province in the central part of the country was targeted.
In response to the incident, Russian warplanes provided air support to the Syrian army and Iranian-backed terrorist groups. They launched air strikes on the Cisir al-Shugur district and the villages of Bideme, Hajj Hamud, and Zianiye in the west of Idlib, the Kibeyne hills in the north of Latakia, and the Karkur villages in the west of Hama.
Unfortunately, the attacks resulted in significant civilian casualties. According to the Syrian Emergency Response Coordination Office, a total of 42 civilians, including 9 women and 12 children, lost their lives in the past five days. Additionally, 214 civilians, including 66 children and 37 women, were injured. There are concerns that these numbers may increase.
During this period, the Syrian army targeted more than 50 locations in Idlib, including 11 schools, 7 tent camps, and 15 health facilities.
The situation in Idlib remains dire. In 2017, Turkey, Russia, and Iran agreed to establish four “de-escalation zones” in areas outside the control of the Syrian government. However, the Damascus administration, along with Iran-backed terrorists and Russia, continued their attacks and seized control of three of the four regions, eventually moving towards Idlib.
Although Turkey reached an additional ceasefire agreement with Russia in September 2018, the attacks intensified once again in May 2019. Following a new agreement between Turkey and Russia on March 5, 2020, the ceasefire has been largely maintained.
These relentless attacks have forced approximately 2 million civilians to flee towards regions near the Turkish border, seeking safety from the violence and destruction.
The international community continues to monitor the situation in Idlib closely and calls for an immediate end to the attacks on civilian settlements. Efforts to establish a lasting peace and ensure the safety and well-being of the civilian population are of paramount importance.
