On April 17, 2023, Syrian regime artillery forces fired a shell at a residential area in al-Abzemou town in the western suburbs of Aleppo governorate, injuring five civilians, including one girl, and partially destroying a house there.
The Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR) condemns bombardment of populated areas by Syrian regime forces. It should be noted that, through this and similar attacks, Syrian regime forces have repeatedly violated Security Council resolutions 2139 & 2254 that categorically prohibit indiscriminate attacks, as well as violating the rules of international humanitarian law on distinguishing between civilians and fighters. Such attacks aim solely to spread fear and panic among civilians, drive them from their lands and homes, and forcibly displace them. It is estimated that 6.5 million people are currently internally displaced in Syria.
The international community must put pressure on the Syrian regime and its allies to compensate the displaced victims, repair the damaged homes and civilian facilities, and support a process of political transition. Pressure should be applied to compel all parties to launch such a transition within a period of no more than six months, so that millions of displaced people can have a safe and stable return to their homes.
