New UN accusation against Syria, Russia and opponents of Bashar al-Assad

UN investigators have concluded that it is “highly likely” that the Syrian government and its backers were responsible for airstrikes on hospitals and primary schools in Idlib province. Rebels may also have attacked a Palestinian settlement.

The United Nations Commission of Inquiry has published a report examining airstrikes on civilian areas in Syria's Idlib province.

The report states that it is "most likely" that the bombing of hospitals and schools in the province in April, May and July of last year was carried out by Syrian government forces and their supporters.

The commission of inquiry specifically stated that it was “almost certain” that the perpetrators of the attack on an underground surgical clinic in the Kafr Nabl area were “the Syrian government or its supporters, or both jointly.” The attack took place on July 4, 2019.

Kafr Nabl is located in Idlib province, the last major rebel-held area.

The Syrian army launched a massive offensive against rebel positions in the province late last year.

According to the report of the investigative commission, before attacking hospitals and educational schools, Russia received information about these sites from the United Nations, including their precise geographical location.

This UN action is actually intended to protect these sites, not attack them.

UN investigators have mentioned in their report attacks on three health centers, a primary school, and a childcare center.

Charges against the rebels

The UN Commission of Inquiry has also concluded in its investigations that anti-government rebels in Syria were responsible for the attack on a Palestinian refugee camp in the country.

At least 11 people were killed and several others injured in the attack on this residence.

Human rights organizations criticized the bombing of civilian sites and facilities several times last year.

The Commission of Inquiry was formed at the request of several countries and on the orders of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, and since the end of September last year, it has been investigating seven military attacks on civilian sites in Syria.

The commission's report has been sent to the UN Security Council.

Source: DW