On June 24, 2023, fixed-wing warplanes believed to be Russian fired multiple missiles targeting Basbat village in the western suburbs of Idlib governorate. The bombardment directly targeted civilian homes in the area, as well as agricultural land where two brothers, identified as Abdou Mustafa Sino and Osama Mustafa Sino from Mar’and village in the western suburbs of Idlib governorate, were killed, while they were harvesting their wheat crop. Two other civilians were also wounded in the bombardment, which completely destroyed the houses targeted. The area is under the control of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham.
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 on all parties to compel them to launch such a transition within a period of no more than six months, so that millions of displaced people can safely and stably return to their homes.
Osama Mustafa Sino from Mar’and village in the western suburbs of Idlib
Abdou Mustafa Sino from Mar’and village in the western suburbs of Idlib
