Baladi News – (Jad Abbarah)
The Syrian Civil Defense (White Helmets) reported that Syrian regime forces have targeted 13 schools in northwestern Syria from the beginning of this year until November 9. The most recent attacks affected two schools in the city of Al-Atarib, located in western Aleppo countryside, namely the general high school and the girls’ high school.
The Civil Defense emphasized that these schools, despite being classified as civilian objects protected under international humanitarian law, are systematically targeted by the Assad regime and its allies. This targeting appears to be part of an effort to destroy the educational infrastructure and the future of Syrian generations. It stressed that these attacks constitute a blatant violation of international law, calling for accountability for those responsible and an end to impunity as a fundamental step toward halting these crimes.
In Al-Atarib, the shelling of the girls’ high school led to the suspension of studies for approximately 650 students, whose ages range from fifth to eleventh grade. Parts of the outer wall, the main courtyard, and windows were damaged by artillery shells.
Northwestern Syria is witnessing increased escalation from Syrian regime forces, backed by Russia and Iranian militias. Just last night, residential neighborhoods in Sarmin, in eastern Idlib countryside, and Al-Atarib in western Aleppo countryside were hit by rocket attacks that caused significant material damage. In Sarmin, the shelling destroyed the local health center when a missile exploded in its garden, causing major damage to the building, including doors, windows, and interior equipment. This center serves around 5,000 people from the towns of Sarmin, Afes, Nayrab, Qminas, and Ma’arat Aliya, providing a range of services including general medical care, pediatrics, gynecology, chronic disease management, nutrition, emergency care, and vaccinations.
It is worth noting that this military escalation has coincided with a large-scale displacement of residents from villages and towns near the front lines in the Idlib and Aleppo countryside, raising concerns of an exacerbated humanitarian disaster in the region, which already suffers from deteriorating conditions.