Two civilians, an elderly man and a woman, lost their lives in a missile strike on a displaced persons camp in the province of Idlib, northwestern Syria. This was reported by medical responders present at the scene.
The “White Helmets” organization, also known as the Civil Defense in opposition-controlled areas around Idlib, confirmed the casualties in a statement. It was highlighted that along with the two deceased, two others, including a critically injured child and another man, were harmed in the missile strike. This assault took place in a housing area on the outskirts of the city of Sarmeen in Eastern Idlib.
The targeted area is located near the frontline that separates regime forces from the “Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham” faction, which has control over extensive territories in Idlib.
A correspondent for the French Press Agency, present at the location, reported that a missile, launched from a regime-controlled region, landed on a tent, setting it ablaze. Responders at the scene managed to extinguish the fire. In the aftermath, panic ensued, with camp residents, including women and children, fleeing in fear.
A ceasefire had been previously established in Idlib, brokered by Russian and Turkish mediators, following an offensive by regime forces in March 2020. Although this ceasefire generally remains in place, it has been breached on multiple occasions.
For over 12 years, Syria has been in the grip of a brutal conflict, resulting in the tragic loss of over half a million lives. The war has devastated its infrastructure and economy, leading to the displacement of millions both within the country and beyond.