Syrian and Russian air-strikes hit north-western Syria causing at least twenty-five deaths with ten children among them (according to the White-Helmets rescue group) The attacks targeted Idlib city - a rebel stronghold near Turkish border where about four-million people live in make-shift dwellings
The rebel coalition (which includes Turkey-backed groups and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham) made quick progress in the region. Theyʼve gained control of several areas including:
- Idlib province
- Parts of Aleppo city
- Town of Khansir
- Sheikh Najjar industrial zone
President Bashar al-Assad responded through state-media: “Terrorists only know the language of force and it is the language we will crush them with“ However his army faced set-backs with many soldiers lost in Aleppo fighting
The situation is difficult
Streets of Aleppo became empty as scared locals stayed inside or left the city. Ahmad Tutenji a local merchant said: “I am shocked at how they fled and abandoned us“ The armyʼs quick retreat surprised many residents who remembered the 2016 battle - when Russian-backed forces took control of the city
The recent developments came as Israel increased its strikes on Iranian bases in Syria; while Iran-backed groups including Hezbollah had strong presence in Aleppo area. The Syrian army sources point to lack of support from these allies as one reason for their quick withdrawal
The US France Germany and Britain called for all sides to protect civilians and keep humanitarian access open. Meanwhile Russian military leadership faced changes - war bloggers reported that general Sergei Kisel lost his position after rebels entered Aleppo