Displaced Syrians in Idlib mark Eid despite hardships

Civilians in Syria’s northwestern Idlib province, where refugees have sought shelter during the country’s protracted conflict, welcomed the arrival of the Eid al-Adha holiday on Tuesday despite their difficult circumstances, reports Anadolu Agency.

Held by anti-regime opposition factions, Idlib is currently home to 4.3 million Syrians who fled their homes earlier amid attacks by the Assad regime.

A displaced civilian Mustafa Emin said that they were waiting to take part in Eid festivities.

“Before leaving our home, we used to sacrifice an animal every Eid. Now we wait in the tent for distribution of meat,” he said.

Another civilian Aldulkerim Sais also expressed his sadness saying: “We used to sacrifice an animal before. We used to visit the graves of our deceased relatives. Nor can we visit the graves or sacrifice an animal. We feel sad during holidays.”The holiday celebrates Prophet Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son at God’s command.

Syrians taking shelter camps after they fled from Assad regime and its supporters’ attacks, procure their food and basic necessities at markets of Mashhad Ruhin refugee camp ahead of Eid al-Adha in Idlib, Syria on July 18, 2021 [Muhammed Said/Anadolu Agency]

Syrians, those who were forced leave their homes due to Assad regime’s attacks, perform Eid al-Adha prayer in a masjid at their camp in Idlib, Syria on July 20, 2021 [Muhammed Said/Anadolu Agency]

Syrian children are seen at a camp during Eid al-Adha in Idlib, Syria on July 20, 2021. Syrians were forced leave their homes due to Assad regime’s attacks [Muhammed Said/Anadolu Agency]

Idlib falls within a de-escalation zone forged under an agreement between Turkey and Russia in March 2020.

The Syrian regime, however, has consistently violated the terms of the cease-fire, launching frequent attacks inside the de-escalation zone.

Syria has been mired in a vicious civil war since early 2011 when the Assad regime cracked down on pro-democracy protests with unexpected ferocity.

Over the past decade, around half a million people have been killed and more than 12 million had to flee their homes.

OPINION: Bashar Al-Assad is presiding over millions of displaced persons and refugees