Slaughter in the Market: Russia's Airstrikes Devastate Idlib's Innocence

28-06-2023

Talita Dielemans

Middle East and Human Rights Researcher,

Global Human Rights Defence.

On Sunday the 25th of June, 2023, three Russian warplanes departed from the Khmeimim Air Base at Latakia at 10:03 am local time and carried out numerous airstrikes on Idlib in northwestern Syria, a de-escalation zone. [1] One of their  targets included a vegetable market in Jisr al-Shughour city, in the eastern Idlib countryside. [2] 

During the incident, two Russian Su-24s conducted five strikes targeting Idlib city, Benin town, and the al-Arbaeen mountain area, additionally, a Russian Su-34 attacked the market in Jisr al-Shughour. [3] As a result of these attacks, a minimum of nine civilians lost their lives, and over 34 individuals sustained injuries. [4]

The majority of these casualties near Jisr al-Shughour were workers and farmers who were at the vegetable market. Tragically, among the wounded, there were many children, further adding to the harrowing of innocent lives. [5] Over the years, Russia has consistently targeted the remaining stronghold of armed opposition to the regime in northwestern Syria, however deadly attacks on civilians had been limited so far this year, until the latest Russian strikes. [6] This strike in Jisr al-Shughur marks the deadliest incident recorded in northwestern Syria in 2023. [7] 

Since the eruption of the civil war in 2011, Syria has endured an immense loss of life, with hundreds of thousands of people, including numerous civilians, tragically killed. This prolonged conflict has also resulted in the displacement of millions. As the conflict persists, there is an urgent need for a resolution and the protection of innocent lives.

Sources and further reading:

[1] Middle East Monitor ‘Russian airstrikes kill 9 civilians in Syria’s Idlib’ (25 June 2023) <https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230625-russian-airstrikes-kill-9-civilians-in-syrias-idlib/> accessed 26 June 2023.

[2] Ibid.

[3] Al Jazeera, ‘At least nine killed in Russian air strikes in Syria’s Idlib’ (25 June 2023) <https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/6/25/at-least-nine-killed-in-russian-air-strikes-in-syrias-idlib> accessed 26 June 2023.

[4] Ibid.

[5] BBC, ‘Syria war: Nine killed as Russia air strike hits Idlib market’ (26 June 2023) <https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-66019521> accessed 26 June 2023.

[6] Arab News, ‘Russia strike on market in rebel-held Syria kills 13’ (25 June 2023) <https://www.arabnews.com/node/2327666/middle-east> accessed 26 June 2023.

[7] CNN ‘Nine dead. Dozens injured after Russian warplanes attack near Syrian market’ (25 June 2023) <https://edition.cnn.com/2023/06/25/middleeast/russian-warplanes-syrian-market-intl/index.html> accessed 26 June 2023.