On January 16, 2024, Syrian regime forces used a rocket launcher to fire rockets targeting Ariha city in southeastern rural Idlib governorate. The attack killed one man, identified as 47-year-old Hassan al-Khaled form Kafrzeba village in southern rural governorate, and injured another eight civilians, including two girls and one woman. Additionally, the rockets landed about 15-200 meters from vital facilities, including the mosques of al-Fath, al-Sheikh Dwayyek, and al-Hadid, the Children’s and Maternity Hospital, al-Funoon School, the Hour al-Ain Kindergarten, and Pazar Street whose facilities were partially destroyed. The area is 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, 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 be ensured a safe and stable return.
