On April 16, 2024, Syrian regime forces used a kamikaze drone to target a civilian car in al-Ashrafiya neighborhood on the eastern outskirts of Darat Ezza city in western rural Aleppo governorate, injuring five civilians from the same family, including two children and one woman. In another kamikaze drone attack, Syrian regime forces targeted two civilian cars and the popular market area (known as al-Sabt ‘Saturday’ Market in the city, causing slight damages with no casualties recorded. 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, 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 be ensured a safe and stable return to their homes.
