Syrian Arab Republic: Idleb Situation Report No. 1 (2-6 April 2015)

Highlights

• The humanitarian community remains extremely concerned about the protection of civilians given reports of intense fighting, shelling and aerial bombardment of Idleb city and surrounding areas. Significant civilian casualties have been reported, including of civilians sheltering in schools.

• At least 77,000 people have reportedly been displaced as a result of the fighting in the last two weeks, including 23,5001 to Government-controlled areas and 53,5002 into areas controlled by Non-State Armed Groups (NSAG), with some sources reporting higher figures.

• Community sources report significant damage to civilian infrastructure, including schools and hospitals, as a result of aerial bombardment.

• On 2 April, two SARC volunteers were killed and four injured in the line of duty in two separate incidents in Idleb governorate.

• Lack of access, due to the prevailing security situation, significantly hampers tracking of population movement, safe registration of IDPs, identification of life-saving needs and provision of humanitarian assistance.

• 20,000 predominantly Shia’ population in Foah and Kafraya towns in Idleb are cut off and surrounded.

• The Humanitarian Pooled Fund (HPF)3 issued a call for proposals for rapid response activities for US$4 million.