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In Syria, the Bashar al-Assad regime and its Russian ally are gaining ground in the province of Idleb. This northwestern region of the country is controlled by rebel groups, mostly jihadists. Over the past two weeks, government forces have regained control of some 20 towns and villages in the region.
Since December 16 , the forces of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, supported by the Russian air force, have intensified their bombardments. Heavy fighting on the ground pits them against jihadists and rebels, despite a cease-fire announced in August. Damascus has taken over forty villages, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (OSDH).
► Read also : The Syrian army still progresses in Idleb despite a counter-offensive
This offensive caused large displacements of populations fleeing north towards the Turkish border. According to Syrian opposition activist Fadi Al Maari, Ankara, which is supposed to guarantee de-escalation in the region, seems completely powerless.
" This is a major offensive which is being waged by the forces of the Syrian regime and by the Russian air force. The bombing has been continuous for more than ten days. Russia conducts air strikes but also shootings from its ships stationed in the eastern Mediterranean sea near the Syrian coast , "he reports, at the microphone of Sami Boukhelifa .
" Turkey seems helpless "
The Syrian opposition activist continues: “ The Syrian regime and its allies apply the scorched earth policy. Their air, land and naval forces are engaged in battle. Medium-range missiles fall on the province of Idleb. Everything is destroyed here. Turkey, which is supposed to guarantee calm and de-escalate here to protect civilians, seems completely helpless. "
About 80 civilians were killed in the new escalation, and tens of thousands have been displaced by the fighting of the past few days, often fleeing to the northern border with Turkey. On Tuesday December 24, Ankara announced that it was in talks with Moscow to obtain a new ceasefire in Idleb, calling for an immediate end to the strikes. France also called for " immediate de-escalation ", accusing Damascus and its Russian and Iranian allies of " worsening the humanitarian crisis ".
Russia, Syria, and Iran are killing, or on their way to killing, thousands of innocent civilians in Idlib Province. Don't do it! Turkey is working hard to stop this carnage.
Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 26, 2019Donald Trump called on Thursday, December 26, Moscow, Damascus and Tehran to stop killing civilians in Idleb province, in northwestern Syria, where these forces have intensified their bombing since mid-December. “ Russia, Syria and Iran are killing, or are about to kill, thousands of innocent civilians in the province of Idleb. Don't do it ! "The President of the United States launched on Twitter, saluting Turkey which" is working hard to stop this carnage ".