On December 1, 2024, fixed-wing Syrian regime forces warplanes fired multiple missiles at Idlib city, killing 10 civilians, including three children and one woman, and injuring 63 civilians, including 30 children and 20 women in an initial estimate. The schools of al-Mutfawqeen al-Namouthajiya, Bayader al-Islam, and al-Siddeeq were damaged and destroyed in the attack. In addition, two missiles landed in the middle of al-Jamia Camp, heavily damaging a number of tents and moderately damaging the structure and interior furnishing of Idlib Municipal Stadium, which is located near the camp. The area targeted 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.
