On Monday, at least 15 people were killed and dozens injured in two blasts in the center of Idleb, northwestern Syria, witnesses and medics said.
They said a bomb, planted in a parked car, exploded on one of the main streets of the city, and that many of the martyrs and wounded Civil Defense workers arrived at the site of the first explosion moments before the second explosion at a nearby location. Some witnesses said the second explosion was cause by a motorcycle bomb.
Videos posted by activists on social media showed the extent of the destruction at the site and a clip that showed the moment when the second bomb exploded, while Civil Defense members were treating the victims of the first explosion.
The explosions come at a time when Idleb, mainly controlled by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, is witnessing chaotic security issues that are a source of great concern for the population, in addition to the regime’s bombing and kidnappings, and occasional assassinations.
Meanwhile, the regime has continued its escalation against civilians. The Civil Defense said that regime forces had shelled Maarret al-Nu’man with three rockets, pointing to civilian casualties and significant damage to a number of houses and properties.
On Monday morning, the regime forces renewed their shelling of Khan Sheikhoun, and the Civil Defense reported that a man was wounded in the shelling.
Opposition areas in Idleb and the northern Rif of Hama have witnessed a major military escalation following the Sochi summit. While a recent round of talks between Russia, Turkey and Iran was expected to lead to further calm in north and northwest Syria, the regime and Russia have intensified their shelling, causing greater civilian casualties.
This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
