Rocket event in Syrian Arab Republic on Wed 31st July 2024

On July 31, 2024, Syrian regime forces used a rocket launcher to fire four rockets at Sarmin city in eastern rural Idlib governorate. One of the rockets landed in front of Sarmin Water Station, moderately damaging a number of solar panels for the station. The area is under the control of armed opposition factions and Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).

The Syrian Network for Huan Rights (SNHR) notes that the Sarmin Water Station is the main source feeding water into the city’s eastern neighborhood.

The Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR) notes that through this attack, Syrian regime forces have again unequivocally violated UN Security Council resolutions 2139 & 2254, both of which categorically prohibit indiscriminate attacks, as well as violating the rules of international humanitarian law on distinguishing between civilians and fighters. Such attacks aim solely to spread fear and panic among civilians, to drive them from their lands and homes, and to forcibly displace them. An estimated 6.5 million people are currently internally displaced in Syria.

The international community must put pressure on the Syrian regime and its allies to support a process of political transition. Pressure should be applied on all parties to compel them to launch such a transition within a period of no more than six months, so that millions of displaced people can be ensured a safe and stable return to their homes.