On February 20, 2024, Syrian regime artillery forces fired multiple shells at Afis village in eastern rural Idlib governorate. One of the shells hit a residential house, killing a woman, identified as Asma Ahmad Masri, and injuring her sister and mother, identified as 55-year-old Sukaina and 79-year-old Rasmiya Masri respectively. The area is under the control of Syrian regime forces.
The Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR) notes that through this attack, regime forces have again unequivocally violated UN Security Council resolutions 2139 and 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.
