Syria – Military offensive by the Syrian regime in Idlib Province (28 Jan. 20)

France strongly condemns the indiscriminate bombing by the Syrian regime and its supporters in Idlib and Aleppo Provinces over the last few weeks, in violation of international humanitarian law. The strikes targeted against infrastructure and medical personnel are continuing. Since the announcement of a ceasefire, there have been several dozen civilian casualties.

The current military offensive is exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Idlib. According to the UN, 389,000 civilians have been forced to flee the fighting since December 1.

In the face of the deteriorating humanitarian crisis, France allocated almost €19 million to meet the needs of the civilian populations in northwestern Syria in 2019, including additional emergency aid of more than €5 million at the end of the year.

The current offensive is undermining the search for a negotiated political solution under UN auspices.