U.N. warns of intensified fighting, humanitarian crisis in Syria
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – In a fresh report released on Tuesday, the U.N. Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria (IICI) has raised alarms about escalating violence on multiple fronts in Syria, warning of an impending large-scale conflict.
The IICI’s report condemned the widespread destruction of medical infrastructure and essential services, primarily due to Turkish airstrikes in Northeast Syria.
“Turkish forces conducted multiple operations against Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) military targets in northeast Syria,” the report read. “The Commission investigated Turkish airstrikes that last winter hit several medical buildings and destroyed turbines at a power plant in Swediyah, Hasakah, affecting access to water, fuel and other essential services for more than a million people, finding them to be unlawful.”
“Airstrikes in May hit ambulances marked with protective emblems in violation of international humanitarian law,” it added.
The report also shed light on increasing regional tensions, with Israeli airstrikes targeting Iranian-backed militias across Syria, resulting in civilian casualties.
Iranian-backed militias have retaliated by attacking U.S. bases in eastern Syria, escalating the conflict further. Six foreign forces, including Russia, Turkey, and the United States, remain active in Syria, contributing to the volatile situation.
The report indicated that civilians in Northwest Syria, particularly in Idlib, have been disproportionately affected by government forces’ use of cluster munitions and other unlawful tactics, which have killed and injured over 150 civilians. Russian airstrikes have also caused further devastation in the area.
In southern Syria, the report documented a massacre in Daraa, where a government-affiliated militia executed ten civilians, including children.
The IICI warned that such atrocities may amount to war crimes, illustrating Syria’s descent into lawlessness. Torture, extortion, and arbitrary arrests continue throughout the country, with detainees subjected to brutal treatment by both government and opposition forces.
The report concluded by highlighting Syria’s worsening humanitarian crisis, with millions of Syrians facing severe food insecurity and malnutrition.
Protests are mounting across the country in response to the economic collapse, as citizens demand reforms, better living conditions, and accountability from the authorities.