On December 19, 2023, fixed-wing warplanes believed to be Russian fired multiple missiles at an area in the vicinity of al-Quneitra village in western rural Idlib governorate, injuring one child. The bombardment also destroyed a number of civilian properties and caused mass panic in nearby camps housing internally displaced persons (IDPs).
The Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR) notes that, through this and similar attacks, Russian forces have 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, and to 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.
