Syria: Airstrikes kill 27 civilians in Idlib province September 25

Event

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) claimed that airstrikes conducted by Russian forces killed 27 civilians, including ten children, in the Jisr al-Shughur area of Idlib province on Monday, September 25. According to the SOHR, this is the highest number of reported civilian casualties in Idlib since the province was designated as "de-escalation" zone in May. The SOHR also reported that Russian airstrikes killed 45 alleged members of the Faylaq al-Sham rebel group near Tal Mardikh, also in Idlib province.

Context

Idlib has experienced heavy fighting during the Syrian war, and is currently under full rebel control.

Syria is enmeshed in a complex civil war that started between the Assad government and opposition forces in March 2011. Today, the conflict in Syria involves many parties, including the Syrian government, the Russian government, the Iranian government, the Turkish government, a United States-led coalition, and numerous armed groups on the ground (including the Islamic State) with competing goals.

Advice

Due to extremely poor security conditions, Western governments generally advise against all travel to Syria, with some banning travel to the country. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to any travel to Syria.