Syria’s Assad Targets Bakeries in Northern Idlib

Bashar Al Assad of the Syrian Iranian backed regime continues with his war crimes in Syria, as the international community is now busy with Gaza.

Syrian essential workers facilitating the bakrery. (Getty)

In a devastating turn of events on the morning of November 20, 2021, civilians in Northern Idlib, particularly in Jabal Alzawiya, were subjected to horrifying bombardment aimed at a vital source of humanitarian need: bakeries. The Iblin Bakery, packed with people queuing for bread around 8 am, became the target of mortar bombs launched from Maarat Alnumaan, a city close to the location. The aftermath was catastrophic, claiming the lives of seven civilians, including three innocent children.

Abu Kasam, the uncle of one of the children casualties, spoke with anguish in his voice about the shocking loss of his 9-year-old nephew: “He was only nine, he was the eldest of his siblings, what do we tell them now?” he asked. “First our freedom, our living conditions, our infrastructure and now our children waiting for bread near bakeries”. He blames this tragedy to the relentless bombardment of the Assad regime, explaining that Assad is implicated in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Syrians over the thirteen years of the Syrian conflict.

Children receive bread from a bakery in Aleppo, Syria, where WFP assisted in food distribution. (WFP/Hussam Al Saleh)

In an effort to shed further light on the tragic human cost of these attacks, I managed to reach through to the learning provider for one of the child victims, an 11-year-old boy who tragically lost his life in the bakery bombardment. Mazen Abu Almajd, a primary school teacher to over 50 children shared insights into Karim’s saddening death: “This isn’t the first time this happened, Assad and Iran have rigorously and tragically targeted the Syrian people. Hospitals, funerals, bakeries… what is new here is there are newer names to add our tragic casualty list of victims”.

Karim was described as a ‘diligent and responsible student’, often assisting teachers with with chores and selflessly aiding his peers by distributing papers and materials. The teacher expressed deep sorrow over the loss of a promising young life, emphasising the profound impact this tragedy has had on the school and the collective psyche of the students.

Syrians wait alongside rubble in Maaret Misreen near Idlib to buy bread at a local bakery. (AP)

The deliberate targeting of bakeries, essential for the survival of the local population, is a sinister strategy employed by the Assad regime to instil fear and control. This act not only violates the basic principles of humanity but is also defied by international law, including those outlined by the United Nations. The UN has long condemned the deliberate targeting of civilian infrastructure, such as bakeries, under the Geneva Conventions, which establish the protection of civilians during armed conflicts.

The targeting of these essential facilities not only robs civilians of their basic needs but also creates an environment of uncertainty and fear. The international community has a moral obligation to condemn such acts and take concrete steps to hold those responsible accountable for their actions.

As the international community grapples with the aftermath of this appalling incident, it is imperative to address the root causes of such violence and work towards a peaceful resolution in Syria. The targeting of civilian infrastructure, particularly essential services like bakeries, underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive and sustained effort to protect the innocent lives caught in the crossfire of conflict.

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Written by: Ahmad El Khalaf, a Senior News Producer and ex-ITV News war journalist with 3 years of on-ground war journalism experience, and 13+ years of journalism experience.
Written for: Coventry University’s CovFeed News.