Syria/Russia: 12 Civilians Dead in Idlib Artillery Attacks
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(Beirut, December 8, 2021) – The Syrian-Russian military alliance fired at least 14 large-caliber artillery shells into the town of Ariha in the Idlib governorate on October 20, 2021, killing 12 civilians and injuring 24, Human Rights Watch said today. The apparent lack of military targets in the areas that were hit, amid homes, stores, schools, and markets, highly suggests an indiscriminate attack.
Russia has been fighting in Syria in partnership with Syrian armed forces since September 2015. In March 2020 Turkey and Russia agreed to a ceasefire for all warring parties in the northwest Idlib governorate, currently under the control of antigovernment armed groups, some of which are loosely tied to Turkey. Small-scale attacks have continued despite the ceasefire but the attack in Ariha was among those with the largest civilian casualties.“Syria and Russia appear to have violated the laws of war with deadly consequences for civilians there,” said Belkis Wille, senior crisis and conflict researcher at Human Rights Watch. “Once again, Idlib’s children are victim to callous and unlawful military actions.”
Producer / Editor: Jon Nealon Graphics: Win Edson Additional Footage / Photographs: Ali Haj Suleiman, Shaam News Network ,Syrian Civil Defense, ©2021 Maxir Technologies Music: Premium Beat Special Thanks: To the families who shared footage and their stories with Human Rights Watch
Russia has been fighting in Syria in partnership with Syrian armed forces since September 2015. In March 2020 Turkey and Russia agreed to a ceasefire for all warring parties in the northwest Idlib governorate, currently under the control of antigovernment armed groups, some of which are loosely tied to Turkey. Small-scale attacks have continued despite the ceasefire but the attack in Ariha was among those with the largest civilian casualties.“Syria and Russia appear to have violated the laws of war with deadly consequences for civilians there,” said Belkis Wille, senior crisis and conflict researcher at Human Rights Watch. “Once again, Idlib’s children are victim to callous and unlawful military actions.”
Producer / Editor: Jon Nealon Graphics: Win Edson Additional Footage / Photographs: Ali Haj Suleiman, Shaam News Network ,Syrian Civil Defense, ©2021 Maxir Technologies Music: Premium Beat Special Thanks: To the families who shared footage and their stories with Human Rights Watch
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