In a significant escalation of the long-running conflict in Syria, a wave of shelling has struck more than 15 cities, towns, and villages across North-West Syria, including the rebel stronghold of Idlib province. The attacks have resulted in the destruction of civilian infrastructure, such as mosques, schools, and camps for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

Bellingcat, an open-source investigation organization, analyzed footage and images of the shelling and identified the use of incendiary weapons, cluster munitions, and Grad rockets. The attacks have caused widespread damage and displacement among the population.

The recent spate of shelling is reported to be the largest escalation of hostilities in Syria in the past four years, according to UN official Paulo Pinheiro. The initial attacks were allegedly in response to a drone strike on a Syrian government military academy in Homs on October 5, which claimed the lives of at least 80 people.

Videos emerged on social media showing the use of incendiary weapons in the town of Darat Izza. Bellingcat's analysis suggests that 122mm 9M22S Grad Rockets were used to shell the town, causing explosions and subsequent fires. The use of incendiary weapons, which start fires and inflict severe injuries, has been documented in Syria before, but the manner in which they were deployed in Darat Izza is unusual.

Cluster munitions were also used in the town of Termanin, located 30km west of Aleppo. Analysis by Bellingcat identified several different types of cluster munitions that hit the town over a period of a few days. The shelling caused damage to the community, including a school and residential buildings.

Other areas affected by the shelling include an IDP camp in Idlib, where footage showed large clouds of smoke rising above the camp, and the towns of Al-Bara and Ariha, where residential areas and a mosque were targeted.

The shelling in North-West Syria has resulted in a growing death toll, with more than 70 people reported killed since the escalation on October 5, including a significant number of children. Additionally, at least 349 individuals have been injured, and over 120,000 people have been newly displaced.

The situation in Syria continues to worsen, with ongoing shelling by various groups across the country. Humanitarian organizations have expressed concerns about the hardships faced by the over two million internally displaced people in North-West Syria, particularly as winter approaches.

Despite the intensity of the shelling and its devastating impact on civilians, it has received limited media coverage. In fact, a recent investigation by Bellingcat revealed instances of misinformation, where footage of strikes in Ariha was falsely portrayed as attacks on Gaza.

The conflict in Syria remains a grave humanitarian crisis, demanding international attention and efforts to protect civilian lives and ensure accountability for the escalating violence.