Russian Air Strikes Kill Two Civilians at Abandoned Pumping Station in Rebel-Held Syria
At least two civilians lost their lives when Russian air strikes targeted an abandoned water pumping station in the rebel-held northwest of Syria, according to rescuers on Wednesday. These attacks have witnessed a significant surge in recent times and have been attributed to Moscow.
The White Helmets rescue group reported that two men were killed in the strike, while five others, including a woman and two children, sustained injuries. The attack specifically aimed at the pumping station near Ain Shib, which had been serving as a residence for civilians.
The province of Idlib, where the attack occurred, has recently experienced increased Russian strikes. It should be noted that a major portion of this region is under the control of Hayat Tahrir Al Sham, an organization linked to the Al Qaeda network.
This surge in violence in both Idlib and the restive southern region of Deraa has been marked as the most severe in recent years. Overnight strikes on the town of Ariha, located south of Idlib, were also carried out by Moscow, leading to the death of three Hayat Tahrir Al Sham members. Five civilians were reported to have been wounded as well.
As an unwavering supporter of Syrian President Bashar Al Assad and his regime, Russia has been instrumental in assisting the government to regain control of the country and consolidate territorial gains. On Monday alone, Moscow’s strikes on the outskirts of Idlib resulted in the deaths of 13 Hayat Tahrir Al Sham fighters, while a strike carried out on August 5 claimed the lives of three civilians.
In addition to military actions, Russia has also exercised its veto powers within the United Nations to obstruct critical aid deliveries to millions of people residing in northwestern Syria. Notably, in July, Russia vetoed a nine-month extension for UN aid deliveries through the Bab Al Hawa crossing, leaving the lives of many civilians uncertain. However, Damascus has subsequently agreed to a three-month extension.
Meanwhile, Russia’s repeated targeting and harassment of United States drones and jets on counterterrorism missions in the northeast have escalated tensions between the two nations. Several MQ-9 Reaper drones operated by the US-led anti-ISIS coalition have been damaged as a result of Russian aircraft firing flares and engaging in direct confrontations.
These recent developments highlight the complex and entangled situation in Syria, with various military actors involved in the conflict. As the violence intensifies and civilian casualties mount, efforts to find a peaceful resolution grow more challenging.
