Multiple airstrikes targeted a busy marketplace today in Maarat Al Nouman, Idlib, from 8:36-9:00 a.m. Damascus time, killing at least 37 people, many of the victims were women and children. Among those killed was a Syrian Civil Defense volunteer (White Helmets) as he was working to save victims of the first attack (known as a 'double tap' attack). Those numbers are expected to rise as bodies are still being pulled from under the rubble. At least 73 have been killed and over 110 were wounded in the past two days in North West Syria as the bombardment continues. Among those killed, two were Syrian Civil Defense Workers (White Helmets), and one was a hospital guard. Please click here to read the full press release. 

On July 4 at 2:30 PM Damascus time, the Kafranbel Hospital in Idlib, Syria was hit by three rockets and completely destroyed. No injuries or casualties were reported. The same hospital was attacked on May 5 ^th despite its coordinates being shared via the UN deconfliction channel. Please click here to read the full press release.

An ambulance system point was directly targeted today, June 27, at 12:55 pm Damascus time, damaging two ambulances and causing major damage to the building, windows and doors. The facility was put out of service. No casualties were reported. Ambulances are discharged from this point to help those wounded in attacks and transport them to area hospitals. Just one week ago an ambulance, transporting a wounded victim of an attack was targeted by an airstrike killing three paramedics and the patient. Please click here to read the full press release.

At 10:50 am today, an airstrike in Ma’arat Nu’man, Syria , targeted an ambulance operated by the NGO ‘Violet’, killing three staff and one patient. In the strongest terms, UOSSM condemns the killing of aid workers and the deliberate destruction of medical facilities, which is a clear violation of UNSC 2286 and a war crime.  We stand in solidarity with all aid workers operating in Syria and mourn the loss of these courageous paramedics. Since April 28, 25 medical facilities have been bombed and 60 facilities have suspended operations from fear of attack. Please click here to read the full press release.

On May 27, an airstrike in a civilian area of Ariha, Idlib- Syria killed three children and the mother of Fadal Fahham, a mobile clinic driver for UOSSM. The two twin girls (Zain and Sham Fahham) were four years old and the boy (Wesam Fahham) was nine years old. Please click here to read the full press release. 

Three million civilians in northwest Syria are scared and many are homeless. With no concrete actions taken beyond political statements and promises, Syria and the world may soon be witnessing the “worst humanitarian tragedy of the 21st century”. Rescue and medical workers on the ground are warning that they have not seen such ferocious attacks in eight years in Idlib. If the conflict continues to escalate, as many as 700,000 people could be displaced from their homes in Syria’s last opposition stronghold. Please click here to read the full statement.