The Assad regime and its allies continue to relentlessly bomb towns and villages in the ‘de-escalation zone’ in northwestern Syria, targeting populated areas as well as healthcare facilities and other vital civilian centers.
In a press release issued on Saturday, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said that eight water facilities come under attack in Idlib, affecting water supply for nearly 250,000 people
“Public services, critical for children, have come under attack in the past weeks as a result of fighting in northwest Syria. Part of that sad reality are repeated attacks against water facilities, cutting off children and families from water as summer temperatures soar,” said Geert Cappelaere, UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa.
“UNICEF confirms that eight water facilities in Al-Ma’ra district, southern Idlib, have come under attack in the past two months alone, three of which are UNICEF-supported. These facilities provide drinking water for nearly 250,000 people in the area.”
UNICEF pointed out that among these facilities is the main water station in the Maaret An-Numan area. It was severely damaged, forcing families to rely on water trucking for their daily needs.
“Water facilities are not a target, they should be protected at all times. In line with international humanitarian law, all parties to the conflict and those with influence over them have an obligation to stop attacks on water facilities and all basic civilian infrastructure across Syria.”
Towns and villages in the ‘de-escalation zone’ in northwestern Syria, especially those in Idlib province and northern rural Hama, have been subjected to brutal aerial and artillery bombardment by the Assad regime and its Russian ally since April. The bombardment is mainly targeting populated areas as well as hospitals, schools, bakeries, and water stations.
The Syrian Coalition stressed that all these crimes require serious action by the United Nations and some major players who have an obligation to stop the bombing of civilians and to shoulder their moral and legal responsibility to protect civilians. (Source: Syrian Coalition’s Media Department)
