On December 9, 2023, Syrian regime forces used a rocket launcher to fire multiple rockets at a number of neighborhoods and vital facilities in Idlib city. The areas bombed include al-Salibiya neighborhood, near the fire station in al-Jbara neighborhood, al-Najjarein Market in al-Sena’iya city, near the Abna al-Shuhada camp for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in eastern Idlib city. Eight civilians, including one child and one woman, were killed in the attacks, while 35 others were injured, including seven children and one woman. The attacks also caused destruction in several neighborhoods, as well as destroying vital facilities.
The area is currently under the control of armed opposition factions and Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). The Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR) notes that through this attack, Syrian regime forces have again unequivocally violated UN 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. An estimated 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.
