22 Jul 2019 | 05:31 PM UTC
Syria: Airstrikes kill at least 37 people in Ma'arat al-Nu’man July 22 /update 1
Airstrikes by forces suspected to be aligned with Syrian government kill at least 37 people in Ma'arat al-Nu’man July 22; similar regime-aligned airstrikes likely on opposition-held cities and towns in Idlib province over the coming weeks
Event
Airstrikes suspected to have been carried out by forces aligned with the Syrian government (e.g. Syrian government or Russian forces) killed at least 37 people in Ma'arat al-Nu'man (Idlib province) on Monday, July 22. Most of those killed were in a market targeted in a strike. Another six people were killed in suspected regime airstrikes in nearby Saraqib. The assaults marked one of the highest death tolls among attacks carried out by Syrian government-aligned forces in recent months; the death toll may rise over the coming hours.
Similar regime-aligned airstrikes targeting opposition-held cities and towns in Idlib province are to be expected over the coming weeks.
Context
To date, the Syrian conflict involves many parties, including the Syrian government, the Russian government, the Iranian government, the Turkish government, a US-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.
