Doctors Without Borders (MSF) reported two barrel bombing attacks against one of their hospitals in Zafarana, in Syria’s Homs Province, which left at least 7 people dead and 47 others wounded.
“Nearly half of those wounded — 23 out of 47 people — were women and children under the age of 15. As the bombings continued causing damage to the hospital, many of these patients had to be moved to other hospitals and 5 people died in transit,” MSF said in a statement.
MSF officials said the incident was likely a “double-tap,” an incident in which an area is bombed and a second bombing follows hitting the nearest hospital to try to kill survivors and responders.
“This bombing shows all the signs of a double-tap, where one area is bombed and then a second bombing hits the paramedic response teams or the nearest hospital providing care,” said Brice de le Vingne, director of operations for MSF. “This double-tap tactic shows a level of calculated destruction that can scarcely be imagined.”
“This makeshift hospital was providing a lifeline of care to around 40,000 people in Al Zafarana town and the surroundings,” said de le Vingne. “It is already a tragedy that seven people — including a small girl — have been killed, but if the hospital has to close down or reduce activities; that is a double tragedy for the people living under the permanent threat of war, with nowhere else to turn for medical assistance.”
The MSF statement reiterates calls “that all efforts should be taken by all parties to the Syrian war to avoid striking civilians and civilian infrastructure, including hospitals and ambulances. The multiplication of these atrocious attacks, with overwhelmingly high numbers of civilians wounded or killed, including women, children and medical staff, must cease.” (Source: Syrian Coalition)
