On August 18, 2024, Syrian regime artillery forces fired multiple shells at the northern outskirts of Idlib city. One of the shells struck a drug warehouse owned by the Syria Relief organization, partially destroying the guard’s room, and causing damage to some medical equipment. The attack also injured two civilians, identified as Wael Malsi who is the warehouse’s guard, and Ammar Abdul Ghany Ajjan. A number of cars that were parked in front of the warehouse were damaged as well. 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.
