Trump warns of "massacre" of civilians in Idlib and praises the Turkish role

US President Donald Trump has warned Russia, Iran and the Syrian regime against killing civilians in Idlib governorate.

He said - in a tweet on Twitter yesterday - that the forces of Russia, Syria and Iran are killing thousands of innocent civilians in Idlib Governorate or are on the way to do so. He added that Turkey is working hard to stop this massacre.

The Syrian regime forces and their ally Russia have stepped up bombardment of targets in Idlib, the last major enclave under the control of the armed opposition in Syria. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad vowed to take him back.

Meanwhile, the eastern Idlib countryside witnessed intermittent clashes between the regime forces and the opposition, while clashes decreased near the city of Ma`rat al-Numan and the Damascus-Aleppo International Road.

This comes as waves of displacement continue towards the Turkish border under the harsh winter conditions. The suffering of the displaced is exacerbated by the rains and low temperatures, as well as most relief organizations in northern Syria ceasing to provide support.

The leaders of Turkey, Russia and Iran agreed in Ankara in September to "reduce escalation" in the conflict in Idlib province after a campaign that lasted several months, forcing at least 500,000 people to flee their homes.

As diplomatic efforts to reach a peaceful settlement to the conflict in Syria falter, the de-escalation agreement has recently shattered.

Turkish presidential spokesman, Ibrahim, said on Tuesday that Russia would work to stop the attacks in Idlib after talks by a Turkish delegation in Moscow.