The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights

Idlib bombardment intensifies, killing dozens

At least 21 civilians were killed on Tuesday, when the Syrian regime and Russia intensified their bombardment on Idlib, the last rebel-controlled province in Syria, Saudi daily Arab News reported.

Nine children were among the dead reported by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, as Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime and its Russian backers continued a campaign condemned by U.S. State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus as a “reckless escalation”.

The bombardment of Idlib began weeks ago, as Assad and Russia sought a response to the rise in the province of Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a jihadist group that includes fighters from al Qaeda-linked groups.

Turkey and Russia signed an agreement to prevent an attack on Idlib last September stipulating that Turkey should undertake to clear “extremist” groups from the province. Since then, far from being driven out of Idlib, HTS has gained dominance in Idlib and launched offensives in neighbouring provinces.

But the response by Assad’s and Russian forces has been “indiscriminate”, targeting public infrastructure including schools, markets and hospitals and killing more than 200 people, the State Department said on Tuesday.

The Observatory says nearly 280 people have been killed since bombardment started late last month, while the United Nations has counted 20 health facilities struck since the escalation began.

Source: Idlib bombardment intensifies, killing dozens – Arab News | Ahval