A man, identified as Mahdi Ahmadou from Ariha city in southern rural Idlib governorate, died on October 16, 2023, of wounds sustained three days earlier, October 13, in an attack by fixed-wing warplanes believed to be Russian, which fired multiple missiles at Bazza village in Jabal al-Arba’ien area in southern rural Idlib governorate. One of the missiles struck his house, killing his wife immediately, while he was rescued by Civil Defense personnel. The area is under the control of armed opposition faction and Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).
The Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR) notes that through these attacks, Russian forces have again 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, to drive them from their lands and homes, and to 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 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.
[Photo caption] Destruction in Bazza village in al-Arba’ien area in southern rural Idlib caused by a Russian airstrike that killed Hanaa al-Rihawi (Mahdi’s wife). This photo is exclusive to SNHR – October 13, 2023
Photo of Mahdi Ahmadou
