June 1, 2016, Edinburg, Texas Heavy aerial bombing in public areas of Idlib and near the public hospital (Al Watani) resulted in the shutdown of many hospitals in the area. Medical staff were unable to get to work due to fear of dangerous conditions leaving thousands of patients without access to medical care; the most vulnerable were children and patients with serious illnesses/ conditions.
At least 23 have been killed and over 300 have been wounded by this attack. Many of the victims are seeking care at UOSSM’s largest hospital, Bab Alhawa Hospital, for medical treatment. The hospital has been flooded with trauma injuries as a result of the attacks. Dr. Ahmad Al Dbis, Trauma and Hospital Director of northern Syria, said,“Three children died lying in the emergency room at Bab Alhawa Hospital, we are not equipped to treat so many lifethreatening injuries at once.”
Five vehicles from the Ambulance Service of Sham were also completely destroyed and three others were damaged in the attacks.
“It is unfortunate to have this happen just a few days after the World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul, it is a clear violation of International Humanitarian Law to target innocent civilians in public crowded areas.” Dr. Khaula Sawah, CEO of UOSSM USA said. Dr. Sawah also added, “We must act and petition governments to take all measures to protect medical staff and facilities, it is their right by International Humanitarian Law and must be enforced.”
