On May 30, 2023, fixed-wing warplanes believed to be Russian fired multiple missiles targeting a civilian home in al-Manabea’ area on the northwestern outskirts of Sarja village in Jabal al-Zawiya in southern Idlib governorate. While the homeowner was not at home at the time of the attack, a young civilian man riding a motorbike who was passing by the targeted building was injured, while the house itself was completely destroyed.
The area, which is under the joint control of the Syrian National Army (SNA) and Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), is located on the dividing lines with Syrian regime forces.
The Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR) notes that, through this and similar attacks, Russian forces have unequivocally violated Security Council resolutions 2139 & 2254, both of which 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.
Photo showing the destruction following bombardment by fixed-wing warplanes believed to be Russian that fired missiles at a house in al-Manabea’ area in Sarja village in the southern suburbs of Idlib – May 30, 2023
