On September 23, 2024, Syrian regime forces used an artillery and a rocket launcher to fire multiple rockets and shells at Kafrayya village and its outskirts in northern rural Idlib governorate. The attack killed five civilians, including an elder man and two sibling women, while 13 others were injured, including six children and three women. As for damages, the attack hit houses and civilian facilities; including al-Shuhada Park, moderately damaging it, and al-Hekma School, partially destroying the schoolyard and moderately damaging the walls. Other shells landed near Shuhada Kafrayya School, al-Tawhid Bakery, and Kafrayya Grand Mosque with no damages to the three facilities. Two shells and a rocket landed near al-Imam Mohammad al-Jawad Mosque with no damages recorded. Additionally, a number of houses 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, 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 members. 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.
