Germany condemns airstrikes on Syria’s Idlib

By Ayhan Simsek

BERLIN (AA) - Germany on Wednesday condemned Syrian regime strikes in the Idlib province over the past two weeks that killed over 100 civilians.

Speaking at a news conference in Berlin, Germany’s deputy foreign ministry spokesman said the Syrian regime and its allies have violated international humanitarian law by targeting schools and hospitals.

“We condemn heavy bombings that targeted the humanitarian infrastructure,” Christofer Burger said, adding that several medical facilities funded by Germany were also hit by the airstrikes, in which the regime used barrel bombs.

“Any military action [against terrorist groups] must be in compliance with international law, the civilian population must be protected,” he stressed.

At least 108 civilians have been killed in Idlib since April 26, as the Syrian regime and its military allies intensified their bombardment, according to the Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR).

Last September, Turkey and Russia agreed to turn Syria’s northern Idlib province into a de-escalation zone in which acts of aggression would be expressly prohibited.