Civilian Casualties Rise in Taftanaz Amid Ongoing Shelling by Syrian Regime Forces
In a tragic escalation of violence, two civilians were killed and eight others injured due to artillery shelling by Syrian regime forces in the town of Taftanaz, located in the eastern countryside of Idlib, northwestern Syria. The incident occurred on Friday, September 21, 2024, when regime forces targeted residential neighborhoods, resulting in significant civilian casualties. Among the injured were six children, one of whom is reported to be in critical condition, along with three women, one of whom was with her five children at the time of the attack. The injured individuals were promptly transferred to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The Syrian Civil Defense, known as the "White Helmets," reported that the shelling not only affected Taftanaz but also targeted a car in Darat Ghaza, west of Aleppo, with a guided missile. This incident highlights the ongoing violence in the region, where civilians continue to bear the brunt of the conflict. The Civil Defense noted that since the beginning of the year, their teams have responded to over 650 attacks by regime forces and their allies, resulting in 54 deaths, including 15 children and 6 women, and leaving 245 individuals injured, among them 99 children and 29 women.
The Fragile Ceasefire and Continued Violence in Idlib
Despite previous agreements aimed at establishing a ceasefire, such as the memorandum signed by Turkey and Russia in September 2018, and a subsequent agreement in May 2020, violations by the Syrian regime remain frequent. The 2018 agreement was intended to bolster the de-escalation zones established during the Astana meetings in 2017. However, since then, the situation has deteriorated, with increased attacks reported in the Idlib region.
The recent events in Taftanaz serve as a grim reminder of the fragile nature of peace in the area and the ongoing humanitarian crisis faced by civilians. As the conflict continues, the international community remains concerned about the safety and well-being of those living in conflict zones, calling for renewed efforts to uphold ceasefire agreements and protect innocent lives.
