Syria: Massive bombings against civilians in Aleppo

The eastern districts of the city of Aleppo, in northern Syria, have been the target of sustained bombing for almost two weeks now. The damage to the civilian population is truly devastating. According to the United Nations, 320 civilians have been killed, including around one hundred children. Prohibited weapons, including cluster bombs, have been used.

A child victim of a bombing supported by Handicap International | © F. Buyckx / Handicap International

Handicap International once again calls for an immediate end to this bombing of civilians which has reached new and frightening levels. The indiscriminate or deliberate targeting of civilians is a violation of international law. The repeated attacks on hospitals and relief workers are entirely unacceptable.

In recent months, the organisation has been running a campaign condemning the use of explosive weapons in populated areas, which sadly is common practice in ongoing conflicts including Syria, Afghanistan, Yemen and Ukraine. In 90% of cases the victims of this barbaric practice are civilians.

When used in populated areas, explosive weapons kill and cause serious injury and suffering (burns, open wounds, fractures etc.). They result in disability and psychological trauma. Using weapons in this way leads to mass population displacement and destroys vital infrastructure including houses, schools and hospitals.

During the bombing, some munitions will not explode on impact. These unexploded munitions remain a threat to the civilian population long after a conflict has ended. The presence of explosive remnants of war makes it dangerous for people to return to their homes once an attack or the conflict is over.