North-west Syria: Escalation of Hostilities - Flash Update No. 2, 8 October 2023 [EN/AR]

Situation Overview

Four days of continuing hostilities

Since 5 October, continuous shelling and airstrikes have struck more than 1,100 locations in north-west Syria's Idleb and western Aleppo, including frontline and residential areas. Over 169 attacks have been recorded in the span of four days, resulting in civilian deaths, injuries and displacements.

As of 8 October, at least 36 people have been killed and 201 others injured, including 38 women, 48 children, according to local health authorities – more than double the figures in the last update.

The attacks have affected critical facilities and infrastructure including the main power station in Idleb city, ten schools, health facilities, five camps, three offices of NGOs, markets and mosques. More than 20 NGOs have suspended their humanitarian activities.

On 8 October, an aid worker was injured and is now receiving medical care in an intensive care unit while another aid worker lost his life.

In an earlier statement, the UN Secretary-General António Guterres stressed a nationwide ceasefire as “essential” and urged all parties to respect their obligations under international law.

“We are getting new updates on incidents by the hour. For many of the families who have been newly displaced, this is sadly a recurrent ordeal for more than a decade,” said David Carden, Deputy Regional Humanitarian Coordinator (DRHC) for the Syria Crisis.

“I am also alarmed by reports of humanitarian facilities being hit. No matter the circumstances, civilian and civilian infrastructure should be spared from the effects of hostilities,” he added.

According to the latest update by the CCCM Cluster, nearly 25,000 individuals have been newly displaced with the majority coming from Sarmin, Jisr-Ash-Shugur, Idleb and Daret Azza. The actual displacement figures might be much higher given the fluidity of the situation.

As of 8 October, there are 16 reception centers in the Idleb area that can accommodate 460 households, according to local authorities. Partners reported that the centers are in urgent need of tents, food, latrines, baby formulas, cash and drinking water.