News story

Maarat Al Numan: Foreign Secretary statement

Since April, the Russian and regime offensive has killed more than 1,500 civilians and displaced hundreds of thousands.

• From: Foreign & Commonwealth Office and The Rt Hon Dominic Raab
• Published: 31 January 2020

This was published under the 2019 to 2022 Johnson Conservative government

The Assad regime has now captured Maarat Al Numan in Idlib. Since April, the Russian and regime offensive has killed more than 1,500 civilians and displaced hundreds of thousands.

The UK has repeated its calls for a political settlement and an immediate cessation of hostilities in Idlib at the UN Security Council this week.

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said:

This vicious campaign of attrition continues to force civilians to flee by targeting their schools, hospitals and emergency first responders. The UK condemns the repeated flouting of International Humanitarian Law. Only a political settlement in line with Security Council Resolution 2254 can deliver a lasting peace for Syria.

Further information

• Follow the Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab on Twitter @DominicRaab and Facebook
• Follow the Foreign Office on Twitter @foreignoffice and Facebook
• Follow the Foreign Office on Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn

Media enquiries

For journalists

Email newsdesk@fco.gov.uk

Published 31 January 2020