On June 22, 2023, Syrian regime artillery forces fired multiple shells at Sarmin city in the eastern suburbs of Idlib. One of the shells targeted the center of the popular market in the city center of the city, partially destroying a number of shops. Seven civilians, mostly women, were wounded in the shelling, with one of the women, identified as Khetam Abdullah al-Abbas from Ma’saran town in the eastern suburbs of Idlib, sustaining critical injuries and dying as a result the next day, June 23, 2023.
The area is under the joint control of armed opposition factions and Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). The Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR) condemns the bombardment of populated areas by Syrian regime forces. It should be noted that, through this and similar attacks, Syrian regime 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.
