The Assad regime and Russian forces have further escalated the bombing campaign against towns and villages in Idlib, Aleppo and Hama provinces, targeting mainly populated areas, public markets and hospitals. The bombings have left dozens of civilians dead and injured, amid complete international action save condemnation and expressions of concern.
The UN deputy humanitarian chief warned Tuesday that further military operations in Idlib province would overwhelm aid efforts, stressing that an estimated three million people are caught up in crossfire and without shelter.
This means the suspension of health, nutrition and protection services previously supporting some 600,000 people, including 21 immunization centers that have ceased operations, Mueller said. It also includes at least 49 health facilities that have suspended or partially suspended activities for security reasons, she said.
So far this month, Mueller said, heavy shelling and aerial bombing has resulted in more than 160 civilian deaths and the displacement of some 270,000 people.
“Since 28 April … a total of 25 attacks on healthcare have been reported by the World Health Organization, including on 22 health facilities, with some having been hit more than once. All of these attacks occurred in northwestern Syria. Some 25 schools are reported to have also been impacted by the violence, as well as markets and at least three sites for displaced people.”
The Emergency Response Coordinators Team in northwestern Syria on Monday said that at least 568 civilians, including 162 children, have been killed in the bombing campaign the Assad regime and Russia have launched in northwestern Syria since April 26. It noted that nearly half a million people have been displaced.
Meanwhile, the United States continues to be alarmed by the Assad regime and Russian airstrikes in northwest Syria and believes they are a “reckless escalation” of violence, the State Department said on Tuesday.
“Indiscriminate attacks on civilians and public infrastructure such as schools, markets and hospitals is a reckless escalation of the conflict and is unacceptable,” said State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus. (Source: Syrian Coalition’s Media Department)
