Shelling by government forces in northwest Syria kills seven civilians, including four children
In a tragic turn of events, government forces in northwest Syria have targeted several locations, resulting in the death of seven civilians, including four children. The Damascus regime’s actions are seen as retaliation for an attack on a military academy graduation ceremony in Homs that claimed the lives of dozens of people.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a war monitor, reported that seven civilians, including four children, lost their lives due to ground bombardment by regime forces. The city of Idlib witnessed the deaths of three civilians, including two children, as government forces shelled a market and homes. Additionally, two more children were killed in shelling on the Idlib countryside. Separately, two men were also killed in bombardments in Aleppo and Idlib provinces.
Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS), led by Al-Qaeda’s former Syria branch, controls significant portions of Idlib province and parts of neighboring Aleppo, Hama, and Latakia provinces. The ongoing conflict between government forces and HTS has resulted in the loss of numerous lives and widespread destruction.
Since the attack on the military academy in Homs, government bombardment of rebel-held areas has claimed the lives of over 30 people, mostly civilians. While state media reported 89 deaths in the attack, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights recorded a higher toll of 123 dead.
No group has claimed responsibility for the Homs attack. However, the Syrian army has accused “armed terrorist organizations” of utilizing “explosive-laden drones” in the assault and has vowed to respond forcefully. It is worth noting that HTS is considered a terrorist group not only by Damascus but also by the United States and United Nations.
The civil war in Syria erupted in 2011 after President Bashar Assad’s government suppressed peaceful protests. Since then, the conflict has escalated into a devastating war involving foreign armies, militias, and militants. The ongoing violence has resulted in the deaths of over half a million people and the displacement of millions more.
The situation in northwest Syria remains dire, with innocent civilians bearing the brunt of the violence. The international community must take immediate action to address the escalating conflict and protect the lives of those caught in the crossfire.
Efforts to establish a lasting ceasefire and facilitate humanitarian aid must be intensified. It is crucial for all parties involved to prioritize the well-being and safety of civilians, especially children, who are the most vulnerable in times of conflict.
The Syrian people have endured unimaginable suffering for over a decade. It is high time for the international community to come together and find a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Only through diplomacy and cooperation can we hope to bring an end to the violence and pave the way for a brighter future for the people of Syria.