The European Union warned Friday of "devastating humanitarian consequences" in rebel-held southern Syria as President Bashar al-Assad's regime and his allies pound the region. The EU's diplomatic arm called for protecting civilians and allowing humanitarian access to Daraa province where it said the Assad regime, backed by Russia and Iran, has started an offensive.
Artillery and air strikes "are causing the civilian population to flee towards the border with Jordan and with potentially devastating humanitarian consequences," a spokesperson warned. The statement quoted the United Nations as saying the attacks endangered more than 750,000 civilians in the area that borders Jordan and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.
It said the assault was taking place in a "de-escalation zone" that is supposed to be protected by the guarantors of the Astana peace talks. "The Astana guarantors are bound to ensure cessation of hostilities in these zones as a matter of priority and they are expected to deliver on this commitment," the External Action Service said.
"All necessary measures to protect civilian lives as well as unhindered, safe and sustainable humanitarian access need to be ensured," it added. Daraa, Quneitra and Sweida are included in a "de-escalation zone" agreed by the United States, Russia and neighbour Jordan last year.