On October 15, 2024, fixed-wing warplanes believed to be Russian fired multiple missiles at al-Kilani Power Station in Ein al-Zarqa area in western rural Idlib governorate. The bombing destroyed and damaged the generators, rendering the station out of commission. Additionally, two workers, identified as 28-year-old Mohammad Khadra from Rural Damascus governorate and 50-year-old Farhan al-Hassan from Aleppo governorate were injured. 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 al-Kilani Power Station is operated by Green Energy un Idlib governorate, and feeds power to Ein al-Zarqa Water Station, which is the main supplier of irrigation water in Sahl al-Rouj area in western Idlib governorate.
It should be also noted that, through this and similar attacks, Russian forces have 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, and to drive them from their lands and homes, and forcibly displace them. It is estimated that 6.5 million people are currently internally displaced in Syria.
The international community must put pressure on the Syrian regime and its allies to compensate the displaced victims, repair the damaged homes and civilian facilities, and support a process of political transition. Pressure should be imposed 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 have a safe and stable return to their homes.
