Five civilians killed as Syrian regime shells Idlib bakery

Five civilians killed as Syrian regime shells Idlib bakery
Five civilians were killed after Syrian regime forces bombed a bakery in Idlib.
2 min read
19 February, 2019
The White Helmets carry a victim after air strikes in Idlib kill five [AFP/Getty Images]

Syrian government forces shelled a bakery killing at least five people, including children, in the town of Khan Sheikhoun in rebel-held Idlib on Tuesday, a war monitor said.

Five civilians, including two children and a handicapped man, were killed and five others were wounded, according to The White Helmets.

In the de-escalation zone of Idlib, ceasefire violations have led to do the deaths of 63 civilians since the start of the New Year.

The White Helmets said bombing has intensified in the past four days.  

The intensified bombardment of Idlib and surrounding areas by government forces in recent weeks has left one million people in an extremely vulnerable situation, the UN Human Rights Chief said Tuesday.

Michelle Bachelet called on all parties involved "to ensure that the protection of civilians is held paramount".

Idlib has been covered by a ceasefire zone agreed between Russia and Turkey last year, which has seen air strikes and shelling on the heavily populated province greatly reduced.

The takeover of Idlib by extremist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) has seen Russia and the Syrian regime issue new threats against the province, with the hardline militant group not considered to be part of the truce agreement by Moscow.

HTS captured all of Idlib province from rebel groups in January, announcing that the affiliated Salvation Government would administer the areas, sparking fear form civilians.



Read more:

Voices of Idlib: What does the future hold for this embattled Syrian city?