The Assad regime’s attack targeting civilian homes in Ma’aret al-Nu’man town in Idlib province, which resulted in the death of many women and children, “flagrantly violates international law,” the Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor and the Syrian Network for Human Rights said in a joint statement on Friday.
The statement said that the bombing caused massive destruction in the town in addition to the outbreak of fires, which increased the number of casualties, and hindered the work of medical crews.
“The United Nations should pressure the Syrian government and its ally, Russia, to stop these attacks, which flagrantly violate international law and all parties to the conflict should prioritize the protection of civilians.”
“Although attacking civilian buildings such as houses, hospitals and schools cannot be justified under any circumstances, the Syrian government continues to bomb and kill civilians in their homes,” said Mohammed Imad, a legal researcher at Euro-Med.
Imad added: “The continued targeting of civilians and health facilities in Idlib and its countryside is a serious violation of the international humanitarian law that may amount to a war crime, according to Article 147 of the Fourth Geneva Convention and it requires to hold parties involved accountable.”
“Any indiscriminate attack, that could cause civilian deaths or injuries or that is launched with a previous knowledge it could cause accidental civilian casualties, and committed with a criminal intent, could amount to a war crime.
In addition, Article 25 of the Hague Regulations on the Laws and Customs of Land War of 1907 stipulates: “The attack or bombardment, by whatever means, of towns, villages, dwellings, or buildings which are undefended is prohibited.”
The Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor and the Syrian Network for Human Rights urged the United Nations and the concerned parties to take serious actions to stop the crimes taking place in Idlib, and to accelerate the provision of relief funding to increase the frequency of relief operations in areas witnessing attacks.
On Wednesday evening, a Syrian Su-24 warplane fired at least eight missiles at civilian houses in Ma’aret al-Nu’man, leaving 13 citizens were killed, including six children, two women, and dozens of injuries. (Source: Syrian National Coalition’s Media Department)
