Syrian rebels fire shells from Idlib buffer zone

Rebels fired mortars from a planned demilitarised zone in north-west Syria, days after they were meant to have withdrawn such weapons from the area.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said rebels fired several “mortar shells at an army position in nearby Hama province, killing two soldiers” late on Saturday.

Rebels also shelled Aleppo province from other parts of the demilitarised area, with no casualties recorded, the UK-based monitor said.

“This is the first clear violation of the deal since the heavy weapons were withdrawn. This area is supposed to be clear of heavy weapons, including mortar shells,” said Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman.

Under a deal reached by opposition backer Turkey and regime ally Russia last month, rebels and militants alike were meant to have pulled all heavy arms from the horseshoe-shaped zone by October 10.

The deadline was reportedly met, with Ankara, rebel factions, and the Observatory all reporting that the area was free of heavy-duty weaponry.

However, on Sunday morning Syrian pro-government newspaper Al Watan said western parts of Aleppo province were being hit with “rocket fire and shelling with heavy weapons, which were supposed to be pulled out from the area”.

Source: Syrian rebels fire shells from Idlib buffer zone – The National