Humanitarians warn of “unbearable” crisis in Northwest Syria following escalation  

The situation is deteriorating rapidly northwest Syria where more than 4 millions civilians fear the coming days and weeks. Over three days this week, the White Helmets have responded to more than 75 attacks by the regime and Russia, which targeted markets, schools, and civilian homes in northwest Syria. At least 23 people have been killed and 82 injured, many of them children.

Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA), and other armed groups have launched a military operation to recapture areas that were taken by the regime in 2020. The operation started on Wednesday and has led to unprecedented advances into the city of Aleppo, causing fear and uncertainty among residents of the city.

The situation is developing rapidly and civilians are being forced to move to the poor conditions of overcrowded displacement camps, as winter takes hold. Others are making the tough decision to stay at home, hoping for safety.

Laila Kiki, Executive Director of the Syria Campaign said:
“Everyone is terrified of what might happen next. We know very well how the regime responds to any threat to its grip on power. People are preparing themselves for a violent assault on civilians, that will only make things even more unbearable for millions of people in Aleppo and the northwest. Medical systems were already on the brink of collapse in Idlib and Aleppo and medical staff are overwhelmed.

“World leaders have so far utterly failed to protect civilians in Syria or secure a real political solution to the conflict. Now is the moment for a whole new approach. Until then, civilians will continue to pay the highest price time and again.”