Syria: Atareb market airstrikes kill dozens November 13

Event

Suspected Russian airstrikes on a market in Atareb (Aleppo province) reportedly killed dozens of people on Monday, November 13. Reports vary regarding the precise death toll from the bombings: the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) claims that at least 29 people were killed in three separate airstrikes on the market. The Syrian Civil Defense (colloquially known as the "White Helmets") estimated that at least 43 people were killed in the barrage. The death toll may rise in the coming hours.

Context

Atareb, currently under the control of Syrian opposition and allied forces, is part of a "de-escalation zone" established by Astana talks participants (Russia, Iran, and Turkey).

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. Syria's civil war has left at least 400,000 people killed and 11 million more displaced since it began in 2011.

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.​