Security Forces Secure Medicals Hospital in Azaz After Vandalism
Internal security forces have deployed to the perimeter of Medicals Hospital in the city of Azaz, located in the northern countryside of Aleppo, following a violent assault and acts of vandalism carried out against the medical facility. The incident occurred shortly after the death of a 63-year-old patient, leading to significant damage to critical medical equipment and injuries among the staff.
Dr. Ahmed Darwish, the administrative director of the hospital, detailed the sequence of events leading to the disturbance. The patient had originally checked into the facility complaining of renal issues. Following necessary diagnostic procedures, medical teams identified a renal tumor that required surgical intervention. According to Dr. Darwish, the patient underwent a successful tumor removal procedure, involving specialists in internal medicine, anesthesia, and cardiology. Following the surgery, the patient was transferred to the intensive care unit for post-operative monitoring.
However, the patient’s health condition deteriorated rapidly, characterized by a sudden drop in blood pressure. Despite the medical team’s intervention, which included the successful resuscitation of the patient following a cardiac arrest, a second cardiac event occurred at approximately 6:30 p.m. Despite further efforts by the clinical staff to stabilize him, the patient succumbed to his condition.
Following the announcement of the death, approximately 40 individuals forced their way into the intensive care unit. The mob proceeded to assault members of the medical staff and systematically destroyed vital hospital equipment. The damage included ventilators, cardiopulmonary resuscitation units, medical pumps, and other essential diagnostic and life-support machinery. Further destruction was reported throughout the hospital, including damage to doors, administrative offices, and the emergency department.
Dr. Darwish has issued a formal appeal to the relevant authorities, calling for immediate legal action against those responsible. He emphasized the necessity of providing robust protection for medical personnel and health infrastructure to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian and life-saving services, noting that such acts of aggression threaten the stability of the healthcare system in the region.
In response to the escalation, Abdul Qadir Haj Othman, the media relations official for Aleppo Governorate, confirmed that internal security forces have established a presence around the facility to maintain order and security. While the hospital remains temporarily closed to new admissions to facilitate the investigation and repair, it continues to provide consultations for patients already under its care.
Criminal security investigators have launched an evidence-gathering operation and are conducting thorough investigations into the incident. The findings are expected to be referred to the judiciary to ensure legal proceedings are pursued against the perpetrators. The Syrian Ministry of Health has also issued a strong condemnation of the attack, denouncing the vandalism of the facility and the violence directed toward medical professionals performing their humanitarian duties.
