In yet another devastating incident highlighting the ongoing power struggle between Moscow, Damascus, and Ankara, innocent civilians in Syria continue to bear the brunt of the conflict. Last Sunday, a Russian airstrike targeted a bustling vegetable market in Jisr al-Shughur, a city located in the western region of Syria’s Idlib province. The attack left a trail of destruction, death, and despair, further deepening the humanitarian crisis in the war-torn country.
Yasser H., a 39-year-old farmer who regularly sells his harvest in the market, recounted the horrifying experience. “Here we are at the vegetable market… we were surprised today by the Russian bombing,” he said. “The scene was very terrifying and cruel. Suddenly, you see the wounded and martyrs on the ground, and there is no one to help or carry them. The majority were injured, and there was no one to help.”
The assault not only claimed lives but also disrupted a vital source of income for the farmers of Jisr al-Shughur. Ahmed Jasigi, a member of the city’s Civil Defense, expressed his outrage at the attack, emphasizing that the market was a significant economic lifeline for the local farming community.
“Targeting a market that is an important source of income for farmers is a grave violation of the basic rights of the civilian population,” condemned Jasigi in an interview with AFP news agency.
The toll of the attack on the innocent civilian population was tragically evident. Haifa, a 25-year-old resident of Jisr al-Shughur who was near the market during the bombing, narrowly escaped harm but lost her neighbor in the attack. “But our neighbor didn’t make it. He is dead now, and he had just gotten married. We are all shocked and sad,” she shared, reflecting on the profound impact of the violence on the local community.
The power struggle between Moscow, Damascus, and Ankara has escalated in recent years, with each actor vying for control and influence in the region. However, it is the ordinary Syrians who continue to pay the ultimate price, caught in the crossfire and enduring unimaginable suffering.
The conflict in Syria has resulted in a protracted humanitarian crisis, with millions displaced, infrastructure destroyed, and countless lives lost. The international community has repeatedly called for an end to the violence and a political resolution to the conflict, recognizing the urgent need to protect civilians and alleviate their suffering.
As the power struggle persists, it is imperative for all parties involved to prioritize the well-being and safety of the Syrian people. The targeting of civilian areas, such as the Jisr al-Shughur market, must cease immediately to prevent further loss of life and devastation. Only through genuine dialogue, diplomacy, and a commitment to peace can the cycle of violence be broken, and the people of Syria be granted the opportunity to rebuild their shattered lives.
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