Omar al-Tawil, a 15-year-old&nbsp;schoolboy in Damascus, is one of 24,000 Syrian&nbsp;youngsters now&nbsp;learning&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;at&nbsp;school&nbsp;after the country added the language of the government's most powerful ally to the curriculum.

Many&nbsp;young&nbsp;people in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thank-god-for-assassination-for-syrians-in-idlib-killing-of-soleimani-a-victory-273458">Syria</a>, where Moscow intervened in 2015 to help President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-says-will-not-withdraw-from-army-posts-in-syrias-idlib-270861">Bashar al-Assad </a>win back territory, are eager to study&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;in order to travel to Russia or work in&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;companies they expect to appear in Syria in the future.

"At first we didn't understand anything and when we first heard the words we started to laugh, it was hard," said Tawil. "The teachers are helping us to love this language."

Radwan Rahhal, Coordinator of the Russian&nbsp;language in the Syrian Education Ministry, said demand for the classes outstrips supply.

"We have more than 24,000 students who are&nbsp;learning&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;and the number is increasing. But we cannot expand more than this in the meantime unless we have more teachers."

The Syrian Education Ministry added&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;as an&nbsp;optional second foreign language in&nbsp;schools after English or French in 2014. Graduates in&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;literature willing to teach it to attend special courses supervised by experts from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-demands-punishment-compensation-for-airliner-downed-by-iran-273583">Moscow</a>.

Russian&nbsp;President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-fully-respect-iraqs-sovereignty-says-irans-un-ambassador-after-ballistic-missile-strike-273064">Vladimir Putin</a> visited Syria on Tuesday for the second time since Moscow's decisive intervention and met Assad in Damascus.

Russian&nbsp;and Iranian support has helped Assad win back nearly all the territory lost to rebels who tried to overthrow him in a civil war that grew out of a crackdown on opposition protests nearly nine years ago.

Omar al-Tawil, a 15-year-old schoolboy in Damascus, is one of 24,000 Syrian youngsters now learning Russian at school after the country added the language of the government's most powerful ally to the curriculum.

Omar al-Tawil, a 15-year-old schoolboy in Damascus, is one of 24,000 Syrian youngsters now learning Russian at school after the country added the language of the government's most powerful ally to the curriculum. Many young people in Syria, where Moscow intervened in 2015 to help President Bashar al-Assad win back territory, are eager to study Russian in order to travel to Russia or work in Russian companies they expect to appear in Syria in the future. "At first we didn't understand anything and when we first heard the words we started to laugh, it was hard," said Tawil. "The teachers are helping us to love this language." Radwan Rahhal, Coordinator of the Russian language in the Syrian Education Ministry, said demand for the classes outstrips supply. "We have more than 24,000 students who are learning Russian and the number is increasing. But we cannot expand more than this in the meantime unless we have more teachers." The Syrian Education Ministry added Russian as an optional second foreign language in schools after English or French in 2014. Graduates in Russian literature willing to teach it to attend special courses supervised by experts from Moscow. Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Syria on Tuesday for the second time since Moscow's decisive intervention and met Assad in Damascus. Russian and Iranian support has helped Assad win back nearly all the territory lost to rebels who tried to overthrow him in a civil war that grew out of a crackdown on opposition protests nearly nine years ago.

Syrian students opt to learn 'Russian' language at school for better future

In parts of the Middle East, Qasem Soleimani is revered as a hero. But in opposition-held Syria, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-general-soleimanis-killing-was-self-defense-us-ambassador-kelly-craft-to-un-273117">slain Iranian commander</a> was seen as the man to kill.

"We thank God for his assassination," said Ismail al-Asali, who survived a November missile strike on the northern Syrian displacement camp of Qah where he lives.

"But we had hoped that he would be killed at the hands of the Syrian opposition... because then we would have secured revenge," the 22-year-old told AFP from Idlib province, Syria's last major opposition bastion.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-fully-respect-iraqs-sovereignty-says-irans-un-ambassador-after-ballistic-missile-strike-273064">Also Read:&nbsp;We fully respect Iraq's sovereignty, says Iran's UN ambassador after ballistic missile strike</a>

Asali said the strike in which he was wounded two months ago killed his wife, brother and nephew. His one-year-old son lost a leg.

Soleimani, who was assassinated in a US drone strike in Baghdad a week ago, had been a key regional power-broker for two decades as chief of the elite external operations Quds Force of the Revolutionary Guards.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/key-facts-about-al-asad-us-air-base-in-iraq-attacked-by-iran-272873">In Pics:&nbsp;Key facts about Al-Asad US airbase in Iraq attacked by Iran</a>

In Syria, his strategic prowess was seen as instrumental in defeating the Islamic State group and warding off the disintegration of President Bashar al-Assad's regime, which barely controlled a fifth of the country before its Iranian and Russian allies stepped in to help.

As Iran's main man in Syria, Soleimani masterminded many attempts by Damascus to claw back territory it lost at the beginning of the nearly nine-year-old war.

At the helm of a wide-reaching force of Shiite paramilitary groups mobilised from across the region to battle Assad's opponents, Soleimani has left his stamp on some of the conflict's deadliest battles.

He is credited with the recapture of Albu Kamal -- the last town held by IS jihadists in eastern Syria -- in late 2017 and with preventing Aleppo from being fully besieged by rebels in 2013.

For rivals of the regime, this legacy is a grim one.&nbsp;

"Not a single massacre has happened in Syria, without him partnering with the regime and Russia in the killing of Syrian people," Asali said.

Aleppo battle

The Syrian opposition and Aleppo's displaced residents accuse him of masterminding a brutal operation that killed hundreds and displaced thousands of the city's residents.

"Soleimani was the most influential element of this campaign, before he came we managed to hold up our defences for five years," said displaced Aleppo native Abu Ahmed.

"I am happy about the killing of this criminal that was behind the displacement of thousands of people," the 35-year-old added.

As the battle neared its end in 2016, photos circulated on social media showed Soleimani walking in the streets of the city, a move Abu Ahmed said added insult to injury.

"It wasn't enough for him to just kill people, he also had to walk over our blood and our wounds," he told AFP.

According to a security source and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor, Soleimani sustained a light injury during the Aleppo battle in November 2015.

His assassination, Abu Ahmed said, showed that the arc of history always bends towards justice.

"The death of Soleimani is a victory over injustice," he said. "Every tyrant should meet the same fate."

Mahmud Sharimo, another displaced Aleppo native, said his enmity towards Soleimani is a deeply personal one.

The 29-year-old said rocket fire he blames on Iran-backed forces hit his neighbourhood in Aleppo at the end of 2015, killing his five-month-old daughter.

The intensification of violence forced him and his family to flee, he added.

"Behind all of this is the Syrian regime, Iran, and particularly Qasem Soleimani and his militias," he said.

Soleimani's killing is not likely to impact Iran's intervention in Syria or weaken its steadfast support for Assad, but his death does hold symbolic importance for the Syrians who oppose him.

Many in Idlib distributed sweets and staged celebrations after receiving news of his January 3 assassination.

In parts of the Middle East, Qasem Soleimani is revered as a hero. But in opposition-held Syria, the slain Iranian commander was seen as the man to kill. "We thank God for his assassination," said Ismail al-Asali, who survived a November missile strike on the northern Syrian displacement camp of Qah where he lives.

In parts of the Middle East, Qasem Soleimani is revered as a hero. But in opposition-held Syria, the slain Iranian commander was seen as the man to kill. "We thank God for his assassination," said Ismail al-Asali, who survived a November missile strike on the northern Syrian displacement camp of Qah where he lives. "But we had hoped that he would be killed at the hands of the Syrian opposition... because then we would have secured revenge," the 22-year-old told AFP from Idlib province, Syria's last major opposition bastion. Also Read: We fully respect Iraq's sovereignty, says Iran's UN ambassador after ballistic missile strike Asali said the strike in which he was wounded two months ago killed his wife, brother and nephew. His one-year-old son lost a leg. Soleimani, who was assassinated in a US drone strike in Baghdad a week ago, had been a key regional power-broker for two decades as chief of the elite external operations Quds Force of the Revolutionary Guards. In Pics: Key facts about Al-Asad US airbase in Iraq attacked by Iran In Syria, his strategic prowess was seen as instrumental in defeating the Islamic State group and warding off the disintegration of President Bashar al-Assad's regime, which barely controlled a fifth of the country before its Iranian and Russian allies stepped in to help. As Iran's main man in Syria, Soleimani masterminded many attempts by Damascus to claw back territory it lost at the beginning of the nearly nine-year-old war. At the helm of a wide-reaching force of Shiite paramilitary groups mobilised from across the region to battle Assad's opponents, Soleimani has left his stamp on some of the conflict's deadliest battles. He is credited with the recapture of Albu Kamal -- the last town held by IS jihadists in eastern Syria -- in late 2017 and with preventing Aleppo from being fully besieged by rebels in 2013. For rivals of the regime, this legacy is a grim one. "Not a single massacre has happened in Syria, without him partnering with the regime and Russia in the killing of Syrian people," Asali said. Aleppo battle The Syrian opposition and Aleppo's displaced residents accuse him of masterminding a brutal operation that killed hundreds and displaced thousands of the city's residents. "Soleimani was the most influential element of this campaign, before he came we managed to hold up our defences for five years," said displaced Aleppo native Abu Ahmed. "I am happy about the killing of this criminal that was behind the displacement of thousands of people," the 35-year-old added. As the battle neared its end in 2016, photos circulated on social media showed Soleimani walking in the streets of the city, a move Abu Ahmed said added insult to injury. "It wasn't enough for him to just kill people, he also had to walk over our blood and our wounds," he told AFP. According to a security source and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor, Soleimani sustained a light injury during the Aleppo battle in November 2015. His assassination, Abu Ahmed said, showed that the arc of history always bends towards justice. "The death of Soleimani is a victory over injustice," he said. "Every tyrant should meet the same fate." Mahmud Sharimo, another displaced Aleppo native, said his enmity towards Soleimani is a deeply personal one. The 29-year-old said rocket fire he blames on Iran-backed forces hit his neighbourhood in Aleppo at the end of 2015, killing his five-month-old daughter. The intensification of violence forced him and his family to flee, he added. "Behind all of this is the Syrian regime, Iran, and particularly Qasem Soleimani and his militias," he said. Soleimani's killing is not likely to impact Iran's intervention in Syria or weaken its steadfast support for Assad, but his death does hold symbolic importance for the Syrians who oppose him. Many in Idlib distributed sweets and staged celebrations after receiving news of his January 3 assassination.

'Thank God for assassination': For Syrians in Idlib, killing of Soleimani a 'victory'

Turkish President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-to-back-libya-deployment-bill-but-troops-unlikely-for-now-271717">Recep Tayyip Erdogan</a> will host Russian counterpart <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/russian-president-vladimir-putin-scores-eight-goals-in-all-star-hockey-game-217675">Vladimir Putin</a> on Wednesday to inaugurate a new gas pipeline, with tensions in Libya and Syria also on the agenda.

Putin arrived late on Tuesday after paying a surprise visit to Syria his first to Damascus since the war began at a moment of acute uncertainty in the Middle East following the assassination of top Iranian general <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/the-killing-of-iranians-general-qasem-soleimani-and-its-consequences-271884">Qasem Soleimani</a> by the United States.&nbsp;

Russia's leader will seek to boost his credentials as a regional powerbroker at the symbolic opening of the TurkStream pipeline, which brings Russian gas to Turkey and southern Europe via the Black Sea.

TurkStream and the Nord Stream pipelines under the Baltic allow Russia to increase gas supplies to Europe without having to rely on Ukraine.

But Moscow's increasing domination of European energy markets has worried the US, which last month sanctioned firms working on TurkStream and the almost completed Nord Stream 2.

The ceremony in Istanbul, due to start at 1200 GMT, reflects a dramatic improvement in ties between Russia and Turkey&nbsp;two countries seemingly on the verge of war less than five years ago after Turkey shot down a Russian jet.

They remain on opposing sides in the Syria conflict and could be on a collision course in Libya.

Last week, Turkey sent its first troops to help defend the UN-backed Tripoli government, which is under siege from strongman Khalifa Haftar.&nbsp;

Erdogan says 2,500 Russian mercenaries are among those supporting Haftar claims denied by Moscow.&nbsp;

But Russia so far seems unfazed by the Turkish deployment in Libya, said Mariana Belenkaia, of the Carnegie Centre in Moscow.

"The two countries will likely be tempted to share the Libyan burden," she said.&nbsp;

Syria remains a potential powder-keg for Erdogan and Putin's relationship.&nbsp;

Syrian government forces backed by Russia have ramped up bombardment of the last rebel strongholds in Idlib province in recent weeks, sending hundreds of thousands fleeing towards the Turkish border.&nbsp;

Erdogan has called for a truce in Idlib, following previous temporary halts to the fighting brokered with Russia in late 2018 and updated in August last year.

"Russia's demands are very simple," said Yury Barmin, of the Moscow Policy Group think tank, "Turkey must do more to eliminate terrorist cells in Idlib. The discussions will be around this idea."

Improved ties between the two countries have been facilitated by a number of major energy and defence deals Russia is building Turkey's first nuclear plant and provided a missile defence system.

Putin also earned goodwill in Turkey after his quick support for Erdogan following an attempted coup in July 2016.&nbsp;

The two men have developed a "strong personal relationship", according to Jana Jabbour of Sciences Po university in Paris, who adds that "their economic and energy plans are interdependent".

The TurkStream project, which was temporarily halted during a frosty patch in Russia-Turkey relations, includes two parallel pipelines of more than 900 kilometers (550 miles).

The pipeline links Anapa in Russia to Kiyikoy in northwestern Turkey and has already begun deliveries to Bulgaria. It is being extended towards Serbia, Hungary, and Austria.&nbsp;

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will host Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Wednesday to inaugurate a new gas pipeline, with tensions in Libya and Syria also on the agenda.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will host Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Wednesday to inaugurate a new gas pipeline, with tensions in Libya and Syria also on the agenda. Putin arrived late on Tuesday after paying a surprise visit to Syria his first to Damascus since the war began at a moment of acute uncertainty in the Middle East following the assassination of top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani by the United States. Russia's leader will seek to boost his credentials as a regional powerbroker at the symbolic opening of the TurkStream pipeline, which brings Russian gas to Turkey and southern Europe via the Black Sea. TurkStream and the Nord Stream pipelines under the Baltic allow Russia to increase gas supplies to Europe without having to rely on Ukraine. But Moscow's increasing domination of European energy markets has worried the US, which last month sanctioned firms working on TurkStream and the almost completed Nord Stream 2. The ceremony in Istanbul, due to start at 1200 GMT, reflects a dramatic improvement in ties between Russia and Turkey two countries seemingly on the verge of war less than five years ago after Turkey shot down a Russian jet. They remain on opposing sides in the Syria conflict and could be on a collision course in Libya. Last week, Turkey sent its first troops to help defend the UN-backed Tripoli government, which is under siege from strongman Khalifa Haftar. Erdogan says 2,500 Russian mercenaries are among those supporting Haftar claims denied by Moscow. But Russia so far seems unfazed by the Turkish deployment in Libya, said Mariana Belenkaia, of the Carnegie Centre in Moscow. "The two countries will likely be tempted to share the Libyan burden," she said. Syria remains a potential powder-keg for Erdogan and Putin's relationship. Syrian government forces backed by Russia have ramped up bombardment of the last rebel strongholds in Idlib province in recent weeks, sending hundreds of thousands fleeing towards the Turkish border. Erdogan has called for a truce in Idlib, following previous temporary halts to the fighting brokered with Russia in late 2018 and updated in August last year. "Russia's demands are very simple," said Yury Barmin, of the Moscow Policy Group think tank, "Turkey must do more to eliminate terrorist cells in Idlib. The discussions will be around this idea." Improved ties between the two countries have been facilitated by a number of major energy and defence deals Russia is building Turkey's first nuclear plant and provided a missile defence system. Putin also earned goodwill in Turkey after his quick support for Erdogan following an attempted coup in July 2016. The two men have developed a "strong personal relationship", according to Jana Jabbour of Sciences Po university in Paris, who adds that "their economic and energy plans are interdependent". The TurkStream project, which was temporarily halted during a frosty patch in Russia-Turkey relations, includes two parallel pipelines of more than 900 kilometers (550 miles). The pipeline links Anapa in Russia to Kiyikoy in northwestern Turkey and has already begun deliveries to Bulgaria. It is being extended towards Serbia, Hungary, and Austria.

Vladimir Putin visits Turkey to talk Libya, Syria and gas

Land-to-land missiles fired by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-airstrikes-kill-25-pro-iran-militia-fighters-in-iraq-and-syria-triggering-anger-271052">Syrian regime</a> forces killed eight civilians including four children in a school in northwestern Syria on Wednesday, a war monitor said.

Part of the building in the town of Sarmeen had been turned into a shelter for the displaced, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

Sixteen people were wounded including some in a critical condition, Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman said.

An AFP correspondent in Sarmeen saw the remains of a missile several metres long fuming in a nearby olive grove.

In the latest round of violence in Syria's nearly nine-year-old war, regime forces have upped their deadly bombardment of the northwestern opposition bastion of Idlib in recent weeks.

In December alone, the violence pushed some 284,000 from their homes in the jihadist-run region of some three million people, the United Nations says.

The mass movement of people has seen public buildings such as mosques, garages, wedding halls and schools turned into shelters, UN humanitarian agency OCHA says.

Regime ally Russia announced a ceasefire for Idlib in late August after months of deadly Russian and regime bombardment that killed around 1,000 civilians.

But <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-carries-out-airstrikes-against-militant-groups-in-iraq-syria-270892">sporadic clashes</a> and bombardment persisted throughout the autumn before a spike in violence in the past month, the Observatory says.

Syria's civil war has killed more than 370,000 people since it started in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-government protests.

In total 11,215 people including more than 1,000 children were killed during the war last year, although it was the least deadly year on record since the beginning of the conflict.

Land-to-land missiles fired by Syrian regime forces killed eight civilians including four children in a school in northwestern Syria on Wednesday, a war monitor said.

Land-to-land missiles fired by Syrian regime forces killed eight civilians including four children in a school in northwestern Syria on Wednesday, a war monitor said. Part of the building in the town of Sarmeen had been turned into a shelter for the displaced, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. Sixteen people were wounded including some in a critical condition, Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman said. An AFP correspondent in Sarmeen saw the remains of a missile several metres long fuming in a nearby olive grove. In the latest round of violence in Syria's nearly nine-year-old war, regime forces have upped their deadly bombardment of the northwestern opposition bastion of Idlib in recent weeks. In December alone, the violence pushed some 284,000 from their homes in the jihadist-run region of some three million people, the United Nations says. The mass movement of people has seen public buildings such as mosques, garages, wedding halls and schools turned into shelters, UN humanitarian agency OCHA says. Regime ally Russia announced a ceasefire for Idlib in late August after months of deadly Russian and regime bombardment that killed around 1,000 civilians. But sporadic clashes and bombardment persisted throughout the autumn before a spike in violence in the past month, the Observatory says. Syria's civil war has killed more than 370,000 people since it started in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-government protests. In total 11,215 people including more than 1,000 children were killed during the war last year, although it was the least deadly year on record since the beginning of the conflict.

Syria: Missiles kill eight in school turned shelter

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump and Russian President<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-thanks-donald-trump-for-intelligence-that-foiled-attack-270901"> Vladimir Putin</a> discussed the state of relations between their two countries in a phone call instigated by Putin, the White House said on Monday.

The official reason for the call, according to both sides, was for Putin to thank Trump for what White House spokesman Hogan Gidley said was "information the United States provided that helped foil a potential holiday terrorist attack in Russia."

No details were provided, but Russia said on Sunday it had thwarted attacks reportedly planned in St. Petersburg thanks to a tip from Washington.

Gidley said both presidents committed to continuing counterterrorism cooperation between the two countries.

"The presidents also discussed the state of relations between the United States and Russia and future efforts to support effective arms control," he said, an apparent reference to Trump's stated desire for a new nuclear arms control deal.

Watch |&nbsp;Putin thanks Trump for foiling New Year attacks

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Trump, on a two-week working vacation at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, has longed for strong US relations with Russia and complained that a US probe into whether his 2016 presidential campaign colluded with Russia had stymied him.

He has faced sweeping opposition to warmer ties with Russia from Republican and Democratic lawmakers troubled by Putin's annexation of Crimea and Russian support for separatists in eastern Ukraine, among other strains.

Some new tensions have arisen between the two countries.

Trump on Thursday warned Russia, Syria and Iran against killing civilians in Syria’s Idlib province.

Syrian and Russian forces have intensified their bombardment of targets in Idlib, the last significant rebel pocket of Syria. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has vowed to recapture it.

In another potential strain, Russia joined with China on a draft proposal to the U.N. Security Council to seek a lifting of some U.N.-backed sanctions against North Korea over its nuclear and ballistic missile programs.

The Trump-Putin call came as the State Department announced Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will travel to Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Cyprus from Jan. 3-7.

US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the state of relations between their two countries in a phone call instigated by Putin, the White House said on Monday.

US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the state of relations between their two countries in a phone call instigated by Putin, the White House said on Monday. The official reason for the call, according to both sides, was for Putin to thank Trump for what White House spokesman Hogan Gidley said was "information the United States provided that helped foil a potential holiday terrorist attack in Russia." No details were provided, but Russia said on Sunday it had thwarted attacks reportedly planned in St. Petersburg thanks to a tip from Washington. Gidley said both presidents committed to continuing counterterrorism cooperation between the two countries. "The presidents also discussed the state of relations between the United States and Russia and future efforts to support effective arms control," he said, an apparent reference to Trump's stated desire for a new nuclear arms control deal. Watch | Putin thanks Trump for foiling New Year attacks × Trump, on a two-week working vacation at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, has longed for strong US relations with Russia and complained that a US probe into whether his 2016 presidential campaign colluded with Russia had stymied him. He has faced sweeping opposition to warmer ties with Russia from Republican and Democratic lawmakers troubled by Putin's annexation of Crimea and Russian support for separatists in eastern Ukraine, among other strains. Some new tensions have arisen between the two countries. Trump on Thursday warned Russia, Syria and Iran against killing civilians in Syria’s Idlib province. Syrian and Russian forces have intensified their bombardment of targets in Idlib, the last significant rebel pocket of Syria. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has vowed to recapture it. In another potential strain, Russia joined with China on a draft proposal to the U.N. Security Council to seek a lifting of some U.N.-backed sanctions against North Korea over its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. The Trump-Putin call came as the State Department announced Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will travel to Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Cyprus from Jan. 3-7.

Trump, Putin discussed Russia attack, arms control, relations: White House

U.S. officials said on Sunday that airstrikes in Iraq and Syria against an Iran-backed militia group were successful, but warned that "additional actions" may still be taken in the region to defend U.S. interests. #US #Iran #Iraq #Hezbollah

U.S. strikes on Iraq and Syria, 5 Hezbollah command centres targeted

The United States carried out airstrikes against five locations in Iraq and Syria on Sunday, targeting multiple weapons and munitions depots linked to Iran.

US launches attacks on Iranian-backed forces in Iraq and Syria

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/croatia-votes-for-president-set-to-lead-european-union-269511">European Union</a> called on Syria's regime and its allies to halt "indiscriminate" military attacks on civilians in the country's north-west, where an intensifying bombardment by Damascus and Russian forces has displaced tens of thousands.

Civilians have streamed out of affected areas of jihadist-dominated Idlib province in recent weeks to escape heightened attacks on the southern edge of the final major opposition-held pocket of Syria, eight years into the country's devastating war.

"The escalation of violence in the Northwest of Syria by the Syrian regime and its allies must cease," the EU said in a statement by a spokesperson for European Foreign Minister Josep Borrell, which said airstrikes and shelling had led to "countless civilian deaths".

"All parties have the obligation to protect civilians. The regime and its allies must cease indiscriminate military attacks and respect international humanitarian law," the statement said.

Violence has intensified since mid-December despite an August ceasefire deal and international calls for a de-escalation.

More than <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-235000-flee-northwest-syria-flare-up-united-nation-270586">235,000 people fled</a> the area between December 12 and 25, mostly from the beleaguered city of Maaret al-Numan, according to the United Nations' humanitarian coordination agency OCHA.

The EU called for urgent unhindered humanitarian access to the three million civilians thought to be living in Idlib province.&nbsp;

It acknowledged that "terrorist groups" were operating in the region, but stressed that combating these networks "does not permit the undermining of international humanitarian law or the targeting of civilians".

The Idlib region is dominated by the country's former Al-Qaeda affiliate, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.&nbsp;

Residents in the province mainly depend on critical cross-border aid, which came under threat in December after Russia and China vetoed a UN Security Council resolution that would have extended such deliveries for a year.&nbsp;

The move raised fears that vital UN-funded aid could stop entering Idlib from January unless an alternative agreement is reached.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-235000-flee-northwest-syria-flare-up-united-nation-270586">Damascus regime</a>, which now controls 70 per cent of Syria, has repeatedly vowed to take back the region.&nbsp;

Backed by Moscow, Damascus launched a blistering offensive against Idlib in April, killing around 1,000 civilians and displacing more than 400,000 people.

Syria's war has killed over 370,000 people and displaced millions since beginning in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-government protests.

The European Union called on Syria's regime and its allies to halt "indiscriminate" military attacks on civilians in the country's north-west, where an intensifying bombardment by Damascus and Russian forces has displaced tens of thousands.

The European Union called on Syria's regime and its allies to halt "indiscriminate" military attacks on civilians in the country's north-west, where an intensifying bombardment by Damascus and Russian forces has displaced tens of thousands. Civilians have streamed out of affected areas of jihadist-dominated Idlib province in recent weeks to escape heightened attacks on the southern edge of the final major opposition-held pocket of Syria, eight years into the country's devastating war. "The escalation of violence in the Northwest of Syria by the Syrian regime and its allies must cease," the EU said in a statement by a spokesperson for European Foreign Minister Josep Borrell, which said airstrikes and shelling had led to "countless civilian deaths". "All parties have the obligation to protect civilians. The regime and its allies must cease indiscriminate military attacks and respect international humanitarian law," the statement said. Violence has intensified since mid-December despite an August ceasefire deal and international calls for a de-escalation. More than 235,000 people fled the area between December 12 and 25, mostly from the beleaguered city of Maaret al-Numan, according to the United Nations' humanitarian coordination agency OCHA. The EU called for urgent unhindered humanitarian access to the three million civilians thought to be living in Idlib province. It acknowledged that "terrorist groups" were operating in the region, but stressed that combating these networks "does not permit the undermining of international humanitarian law or the targeting of civilians". The Idlib region is dominated by the country's former Al-Qaeda affiliate, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. Residents in the province mainly depend on critical cross-border aid, which came under threat in December after Russia and China vetoed a UN Security Council resolution that would have extended such deliveries for a year. The move raised fears that vital UN-funded aid could stop entering Idlib from January unless an alternative agreement is reached. The Damascus regime, which now controls 70 per cent of Syria, has repeatedly vowed to take back the region. Backed by Moscow, Damascus launched a blistering offensive against Idlib in April, killing around 1,000 civilians and displacing more than 400,000 people. Syria's war has killed over 370,000 people and displaced millions since beginning in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-government protests.

Syria regime must halt 'escalation of violence': European Union

Turkey will not withdraw from its observation posts in the Syrian rebel bastion province of Idlib which has seen an increase in violence carried out by regime forces supported by Russian airstrikes, the defence minister said.&nbsp;

The posts were established under a September 2018 deal between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-235000-flee-northwest-syria-flare-up-united-nation-270586">Syrian regime</a> ally Moscow and Ankara, which backs the rebels, to avert an all-out Syrian government onslaught in Idlib.

President Bashar al-Assad's forces surrounded one of 12 Turkish observation posts in Idlib province on Monday after overrunning nearby areas in a push to take the last opposition holdout, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.&nbsp;

"We respect the agreement reached with Russia and we expect Russia to abide by this agreement," Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said in comments published on Sunday on the defence ministry's Twitter account.

"We will by no means empty those 12 observation posts, we will not leave there," Akar said.

His comments came during a visit, together with top army commanders, to the southern province of Hatay on the Syrian border to inspect Turkish troops on Saturday.

Turkey, worried over a new wave of refugees from the Idlib region, is pressing for a fresh ceasefire deal, as it sent a delegation to Moscow on Monday.

"We are doing what's needed to put an end to this massacre," Akar was quoted as saying by the official news agency Anadolu.&nbsp;

He said Ankara expected <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-backed-syrian-forces-gain-ground-in-idlib-269853">Damascus ally Russia</a> to "use its influence on the regime in order to stop ground and air assault" in Idlib.

The latest violence has displaced more than 235,000 people and killed scores of civilians, despite an August ceasefire deal and international calls for a de-escalation.

The Idlib region hosts some three million people including many displaced by years of violence in other parts of Syria.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"As long as this pressure remains in place, it will trigger a new migrant wave and put further burden on Turkey which is already hosting nearly four million Syrian brothers," said Akar.

Around <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkish-and-syrian-protesters-hold-anti-russia-rally-in-istanbul-270797">300 protesters</a> -&nbsp;mostly Syrians living in Turkey -&nbsp; held an anti-Moscow demonstration near the Russian consulate in Istanbul on Saturday against the intensified attacks in Idlib, shouting "murderer Putin, get out of Syria!", referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Libya timetable&nbsp;

Akar's visit to soldiers on the border region comes as Turkey is also readying to send troops to support the UN-recognised government in Tripoli against strongman Khalifa Haftar's self-styled Libyan National Army.&nbsp;

"The Turkish Armed Forces are ready for whatever task is given in order to protect our country and people's interests," Akar said.&nbsp;

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday said Ankara would respond to an invitation from the Libyan national unity government and that the Turkish parliament would vote on a motion to send troops as soon as it returns from recess as early as next month.

Ankara signed in November a security and military cooperation deal with the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA) but in order to send troops, parliament needs to vote through motion as it does for Iraq and Syria.

Anadolu news agency, citing sources in Erdogan's ruling party, reported that the timetable could be brought forward and the motion could be presented to the parliamentary speaker's office on Monday.

The General Assembly could vote the measure in an extraordinary session on Thursday, it said. Parliament is due to return from recess on January 7.

Turkey will not withdraw from its observation posts in the Syrian rebel bastion province of Idlib which has seen an increase in violence carried out by regime forces supported by Russian airstrikes, the defence minister said.

Turkey will not withdraw from its observation posts in the Syrian rebel bastion province of Idlib which has seen an increase in violence carried out by regime forces supported by Russian airstrikes, the defence minister said. The posts were established under a September 2018 deal between Syrian regime ally Moscow and Ankara, which backs the rebels, to avert an all-out Syrian government onslaught in Idlib. President Bashar al-Assad's forces surrounded one of 12 Turkish observation posts in Idlib province on Monday after overrunning nearby areas in a push to take the last opposition holdout, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. "We respect the agreement reached with Russia and we expect Russia to abide by this agreement," Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said in comments published on Sunday on the defence ministry's Twitter account. "We will by no means empty those 12 observation posts, we will not leave there," Akar said. His comments came during a visit, together with top army commanders, to the southern province of Hatay on the Syrian border to inspect Turkish troops on Saturday. Turkey, worried over a new wave of refugees from the Idlib region, is pressing for a fresh ceasefire deal, as it sent a delegation to Moscow on Monday. "We are doing what's needed to put an end to this massacre," Akar was quoted as saying by the official news agency Anadolu. He said Ankara expected Damascus ally Russia to "use its influence on the regime in order to stop ground and air assault" in Idlib. The latest violence has displaced more than 235,000 people and killed scores of civilians, despite an August ceasefire deal and international calls for a de-escalation. The Idlib region hosts some three million people including many displaced by years of violence in other parts of Syria. "As long as this pressure remains in place, it will trigger a new migrant wave and put further burden on Turkey which is already hosting nearly four million Syrian brothers," said Akar. Around 300 protesters - mostly Syrians living in Turkey - held an anti-Moscow demonstration near the Russian consulate in Istanbul on Saturday against the intensified attacks in Idlib, shouting "murderer Putin, get out of Syria!", referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Libya timetable Akar's visit to soldiers on the border region comes as Turkey is also readying to send troops to support the UN-recognised government in Tripoli against strongman Khalifa Haftar's self-styled Libyan National Army. "The Turkish Armed Forces are ready for whatever task is given in order to protect our country and people's interests," Akar said. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday said Ankara would respond to an invitation from the Libyan national unity government and that the Turkish parliament would vote on a motion to send troops as soon as it returns from recess as early as next month. Ankara signed in November a security and military cooperation deal with the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA) but in order to send troops, parliament needs to vote through motion as it does for Iraq and Syria. Anadolu news agency, citing sources in Erdogan's ruling party, reported that the timetable could be brought forward and the motion could be presented to the parliamentary speaker's office on Monday. The General Assembly could vote the measure in an extraordinary session on Thursday, it said. Parliament is due to return from recess on January 7.

Will not withdraw from army posts in Syria's Idlib: Turkey

Several hundred Turkish and Syrian protesters held an anti-Russia demonstration in Istanbul on Saturday against intensified Russian and regime bombardment in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-230000-people-flee-idlib-in-two-week-russian-backed-offensive-united-nations-270765">Syria's rebel bastion of Idlib</a>.&nbsp;

The protesters -- mostly Syrians living in Turkey -- gathered close to the Russian consulate in Istanbul, shouting "Murderer Putin, get out of Syria!", referring to the Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Since mid-December, regime forces and their Russian allies have heightened bombardment on the southern edge of the final major opposition-held pocket of Syria, eight years into the country's devastating war.

The latest violence has displaced more than 235,000 people and killed scores of civilians, despite an August ceasefire deal and international calls for a de-escalation.

Protesters in Istanbul, including women with their children, held pictures of victims of the attacks, while some brandished a banner that read: "Russia is killing our people and children and the world is not doing anything."

"What does Russia want from us? Kids, wives are dying. People are dying," Syrian demonstrator Ahmed Marwan, 24, told AFP. &nbsp;

"We aren't terrorists, we are humans. We came to this country to live. Leaving your homeland isn't easy but we live in this pain. Enough already."

Turkey is home to around five million refugees, among which 3.7 million are Syrians.

"We are here to protest this massacre going on in Syria," Turkish protester Gulden Sonmez said.

"Here I also want to make this call to Russia, and especially Bashar al-Assad... anyone who is responsible for this massacre, all of them have to be judged and pay for these war crimes in the name of humanity," she added.&nbsp;

Turkish police blocked the group from walking to the consulate in the busy Istiklal Street, but instead allowed a small group to unfurl a banner that read: "More than 30,000 children killed by Russia and Assad regime."

The Damascus regime, which now controls 70 percent of Syria, has repeatedly vowed to take back the Idlib region, which hosts some three million people, including many displaced by years of violence in other parts of Syria.&nbsp;

Alarmed by a new wave of refugees near its border, Turkey this week sent a delegation to Moscow in a bid to press for a fresh ceasefire deal.

Erdogan has already warned Europe that Turkey could not handle a new wave of Syrian refugees fleeing the increased bombardment in Idlib.&nbsp;

Several hundred Turkish and Syrian protesters held an anti-Russia demonstration in Istanbul on Saturday against intensified Russian and regime bombardment in Syria's rebel bastion of Idlib.

Several hundred Turkish and Syrian protesters held an anti-Russia demonstration in Istanbul on Saturday against intensified Russian and regime bombardment in Syria's rebel bastion of Idlib. The protesters -- mostly Syrians living in Turkey -- gathered close to the Russian consulate in Istanbul, shouting "Murderer Putin, get out of Syria!", referring to the Russian President Vladimir Putin. Since mid-December, regime forces and their Russian allies have heightened bombardment on the southern edge of the final major opposition-held pocket of Syria, eight years into the country's devastating war. The latest violence has displaced more than 235,000 people and killed scores of civilians, despite an August ceasefire deal and international calls for a de-escalation. Protesters in Istanbul, including women with their children, held pictures of victims of the attacks, while some brandished a banner that read: "Russia is killing our people and children and the world is not doing anything." "What does Russia want from us? Kids, wives are dying. People are dying," Syrian demonstrator Ahmed Marwan, 24, told AFP. "We aren't terrorists, we are humans. We came to this country to live. Leaving your homeland isn't easy but we live in this pain. Enough already." Turkey is home to around five million refugees, among which 3.7 million are Syrians. "We are here to protest this massacre going on in Syria," Turkish protester Gulden Sonmez said. "Here I also want to make this call to Russia, and especially Bashar al-Assad... anyone who is responsible for this massacre, all of them have to be judged and pay for these war crimes in the name of humanity," she added. Turkish police blocked the group from walking to the consulate in the busy Istiklal Street, but instead allowed a small group to unfurl a banner that read: "More than 30,000 children killed by Russia and Assad regime." The Damascus regime, which now controls 70 percent of Syria, has repeatedly vowed to take back the Idlib region, which hosts some three million people, including many displaced by years of violence in other parts of Syria. Alarmed by a new wave of refugees near its border, Turkey this week sent a delegation to Moscow in a bid to press for a fresh ceasefire deal. Erdogan has already warned Europe that Turkey could not handle a new wave of Syrian refugees fleeing the increased bombardment in Idlib.

Scores in Turkey protest Russia over Idlib assault

The United Nations said 235,000 civilians had fled their homes in rebel-held northwestern Syria during a Russian-backed campaign of air strikes and shelling this month.

The UN&nbsp;Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said the exodus had taken place between December&nbsp;12 and 25.

Most people had fled the city of Maarat al-Numan, towns and villages in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dont-do-it-trump-warns-russia-syria-iran-against-killing-civilians-in-idlib-270437">southern Idlib province, Idlib city</a>, and camps along the Syrian-Turkish border, OCHA said.

"With the latest escalation of violence in northwest Syria, civilians in Idlib governorate are again suffering from the devastating consequences of hostilities," it said.

OCHA said Maarat al-Numan and the surrounding countryside "are reportedly almost empty".

Syrian forces are advancing on Maarat al-Numan.

Thousands of families were also reported to be too frightened to move, fearing air strikes and shelling.

Abu al-Majd Nasser, who fled to the border with his family from the town of Telmanas, said Russian President Vladimir Putin "wants to kill every Syrian who opposes the regime".

Moscow and Damascus deny claims of indiscriminate bombing of civilians, saying say they are fighting jihadist militants.

Rescue services and witnesses say hostilities have left many towns in ruins and knocked out dozens of medical centres.

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump has spoken out against the "carnage" involving thousands of civilians in Syria.

"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," Trump said on Twitter on Thursday.

The Syrian army said this week it had seized more than 300 km of territory in the assault to end "terrorist" control of Idlib, killing hundreds of "terrorists".

Taking Maarat al-Numan would take the Syrian army into densely populated rebel-held parts of Idlib province, where millions of people who fled fighting elsewhere in Syria have taken refuge.

The Russian and Syrian advance towards Idlib is also piling pressure on Turkey, which has a presence in the area and is seen by many civilians as a protector against Russian strikes.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said his country cannot handle a fresh wave of migrants from Syria, warning that Europe will feel the impact of such an influx if the bombing is not stopped.

The United Nations said 235,000 civilians had fled their homes in rebel-held northwestern Syria during a Russian-backed campaign of air strikes and shelling this month.

The United Nations said 235,000 civilians had fled their homes in rebel-held northwestern Syria during a Russian-backed campaign of air strikes and shelling this month. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said the exodus had taken place between December 12 and 25. Most people had fled the city of Maarat al-Numan, towns and villages in southern Idlib province, Idlib city, and camps along the Syrian-Turkish border, OCHA said. "With the latest escalation of violence in northwest Syria, civilians in Idlib governorate are again suffering from the devastating consequences of hostilities," it said. OCHA said Maarat al-Numan and the surrounding countryside "are reportedly almost empty". Syrian forces are advancing on Maarat al-Numan. Thousands of families were also reported to be too frightened to move, fearing air strikes and shelling. Abu al-Majd Nasser, who fled to the border with his family from the town of Telmanas, said Russian President Vladimir Putin "wants to kill every Syrian who opposes the regime". Moscow and Damascus deny claims of indiscriminate bombing of civilians, saying say they are fighting jihadist militants. Rescue services and witnesses say hostilities have left many towns in ruins and knocked out dozens of medical centres. US President Donald Trump has spoken out against the "carnage" involving thousands of civilians in Syria. "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," Trump said on Twitter on Thursday. The Syrian army said this week it had seized more than 300 km of territory in the assault to end "terrorist" control of Idlib, killing hundreds of "terrorists". Taking Maarat al-Numan would take the Syrian army into densely populated rebel-held parts of Idlib province, where millions of people who fled fighting elsewhere in Syria have taken refuge. The Russian and Syrian advance towards Idlib is also piling pressure on Turkey, which has a presence in the area and is seen by many civilians as a protector against Russian strikes. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said his country cannot handle a fresh wave of migrants from Syria, warning that Europe will feel the impact of such an influx if the bombing is not stopped.

Over 230,000 people flee Idlib in two-week Russian-backed offensive: United Nations

U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday warned Russia, Syria and Iran against killing civilians in Syria’s Idlib province. #WION #DonaldTrump #Trump

Trump warns Russia, Syria, Iran against killing civilians in Idlib

Displaced Syrians from Idlib spoke of their ordeal on Wednesday (December 25) as they travelled towards the Turkish border to flee an offensive heading into the last significant rebel pocket of Syria.

Families flee in fear as Russian-backed Syrian forces close in on rebel-held Idlib

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-he-and-xi-jinping-will-sign-china-trade-deal-270340">US&nbsp;President Donald Trump</a> on Thursday warned Russia, Syria and Iran against killing civilians in Syria's Idlib province and said Turkey was working hard to stop the "carnage."

"Russia, Syria, and Iran are killing, or on their way to killing, thousands if inocent (sic) civilians in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-backed-syrian-forces-gain-ground-in-idlib-269853">Idlib Province</a>. Don’t do it! Turkey is working hard to stop this carnage," Trump said in a tweet.

Syrian and Russian forces have intensified their bombardment of targets in Idlib, the last significant rebel pocket of Syria. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has vowed to recapture it.

The leaders of Turkey, Russia and Iran agreed in Ankara in September to "de-escalate" conflict in Idlib after a months-long campaign that forced at least 500,000 civilians to flee. With diplomacy on a Syria peace settlement stalled, the de-escalation deal has been unravelling of late.

Turkish Presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said on Tuesday that Russia will work to stop attacks in Idlib after talks with a Turkish delegation in Moscow.

Trump has sought a close relationship with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, even after Ankara's recent incursion against American Kurdish allies in Syria and Turkey's purchase of the Russian S-400 missile defence system.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday warned Russia, Syria and Iran against killing civilians in Syria's Idlib province and said Turkey was working hard to stop the "carnage.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday warned Russia, Syria and Iran against killing civilians in Syria's Idlib province and said Turkey was working hard to stop the "carnage." "Russia, Syria, and Iran are killing, or on their way to killing, thousands if inocent (sic) civilians in Idlib Province. Don’t do it! Turkey is working hard to stop this carnage," Trump said in a tweet. Syrian and Russian forces have intensified their bombardment of targets in Idlib, the last significant rebel pocket of Syria. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has vowed to recapture it. The leaders of Turkey, Russia and Iran agreed in Ankara in September to "de-escalate" conflict in Idlib after a months-long campaign that forced at least 500,000 civilians to flee. With diplomacy on a Syria peace settlement stalled, the de-escalation deal has been unravelling of late. Turkish Presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said on Tuesday that Russia will work to stop attacks in Idlib after talks with a Turkish delegation in Moscow. Trump has sought a close relationship with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, even after Ankara's recent incursion against American Kurdish allies in Syria and Turkey's purchase of the Russian S-400 missile defence system.

Don’t do it! Trump warns Russia, Syria, Iran against killing civilians in Idlib

Russian aircrafts pounded<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syria-russian-airstrikes-kill-8-civilians-in-idlib-including-5-children-270040"> northwest Syria </a>killing at least eight civilians Syrian troops closed in on the strategic city of Maarat al-Numan as the Idlib offensive gained momentum on Wednesday.

Civilians in Maarat al-Numan have been fleeing in large numbers as the fighting escalated in the last two weeks. The city is considered to be the last strong rebel outpost.

The United Nations said on Monday at least 30,000 people were killed in the past week with over 80,000 civilians feeling Idlib.

The Syrian army said it has seized 320 square kilometres in the past few weeks even as both civilian casualties have continued to increase.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-dispatch-syrian-army-gains-ground-in-idlib-surrounds-turkish-army-post-270045/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was alarmed by the "scale of the military operation and reported attacks on evacuation routes".

Meanwhile, France and Turkey called for a halt in violence. France called for "an immediate de-escalation" with Turkey urging an "immediate" end to attacks.

"The military offensive by the Damascus regime and its allies is worsening the humanitarian crisis in Idlib," the French foreign ministry said.

Turkey's presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said: "We are closely following the process for an end to the attacks, and these attacks should come to an end immediately and implemented under a new ceasefire, adding, "this is our main expectation from the Russian side."

"We are now waiting for (Russia) to begin efforts in the coming 24 hours for an end to the regime attacks in Idlib," Kalin added. &nbsp;

Major attacks were carried out in Jubass village in southern Idlib in which several civilians were killed.

UNICEF said in a statement that children were bearing the brunt of violence in northwest Syria.

Russian aircrafts pounded northwest Syria killing at least eight civilians Syrian troops closed in on the strategic city of Maarat al-Numan as the Idlib offensive gained momentum on Wednesday.

Russian aircrafts pounded northwest Syria killing at least eight civilians Syrian troops closed in on the strategic city of Maarat al-Numan as the Idlib offensive gained momentum on Wednesday. Civilians in Maarat al-Numan have been fleeing in large numbers as the fighting escalated in the last two weeks. The city is considered to be the last strong rebel outpost. The United Nations said on Monday at least 30,000 people were killed in the past week with over 80,000 civilians feeling Idlib. The Syrian army said it has seized 320 square kilometres in the past few weeks even as both civilian casualties have continued to increase. Watch Video: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was alarmed by the "scale of the military operation and reported attacks on evacuation routes". Meanwhile, France and Turkey called for a halt in violence. France called for "an immediate de-escalation" with Turkey urging an "immediate" end to attacks. "The military offensive by the Damascus regime and its allies is worsening the humanitarian crisis in Idlib," the French foreign ministry said. Turkey's presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said: "We are closely following the process for an end to the attacks, and these attacks should come to an end immediately and implemented under a new ceasefire, adding, "this is our main expectation from the Russian side." "We are now waiting for (Russia) to begin efforts in the coming 24 hours for an end to the regime attacks in Idlib," Kalin added. Major attacks were carried out in Jubass village in southern Idlib in which several civilians were killed. UNICEF said in a statement that children were bearing the brunt of violence in northwest Syria.

Russian planes pound Idlib area as Turkey, France call for de-escalation

The Maldives, an island country often referred to as the 'paradise on earth' is battling a rising Islamic militancy since the last few years.

The security services have revealed previously undisclosed information about the extent of religious extremism in the Maldives, including the number of militants overseas.

The government is planning to bring them back within the next seven months in collaboration with other countries.

The crystal clear waters and pristine beaches have a grim story to tell. In the last few years, at least 200 young men left the Maldives for Syria.

This includes men from the poor fishing communities and also educated youth from the Maldivian capital of Male.

The first such instance was reported in 2013.

After ISIS' withdrawal from Syria, several men were killed in the war.

But the children of these fighters are stranded in Syria. 33 orphans were found crammed into a single tent at Al-Hawl.&nbsp;

The Maldives is unwilling to repatriate them. The government does not want to engage with the Syrian democratic forces for the repatriation process.

Some people in the Maldives are against it too. They say what the children bring back with them is capable of ruining the peace in the Maldives.

The Maldives, an island country often referred to as the 'paradise on earth' is battling a rising Islamic militancy since the last few years. The security services have revealed previously undisclosed information about the extent of religious extremism in the Maldives, including the number of militants overseas.

The Maldives, an island country often referred to as the 'paradise on earth' is battling a rising Islamic militancy since the last few years. The security services have revealed previously undisclosed information about the extent of religious extremism in the Maldives, including the number of militants overseas. The government is planning to bring them back within the next seven months in collaboration with other countries. The crystal clear waters and pristine beaches have a grim story to tell. In the last few years, at least 200 young men left the Maldives for Syria. This includes men from the poor fishing communities and also educated youth from the Maldivian capital of Male. The first such instance was reported in 2013. After ISIS' withdrawal from Syria, several men were killed in the war. But the children of these fighters are stranded in Syria. 33 orphans were found crammed into a single tent at Al-Hawl. The Maldives is unwilling to repatriate them. The government does not want to engage with the Syrian democratic forces for the repatriation process. Some people in the Maldives are against it too. They say what the children bring back with them is capable of ruining the peace in the Maldives.

Maldives' rising militancy problem: Government trying to repatriate orphans from Syria

Northern Syria is once again turning into a battlefield. The fragile throws have once again put by Russia has all collapsed and the Syrian forces have launched an all-out assault on one of the last remaining rebels bastion in Idlib. #Idlib #Syria #SyrianForces #DestructionInSyria

WION Dispatch: Massive destruction underway in IDLIB, Syria's assault on last rebel bastion

A Turkish delegation was in Russia on Monday for talks on Syria, following reports that Russian-backed attacks there were forcing tens of thousands more Syrians to flee towards Turkey.

Turkey already hosts about 3.7 million Syrians - the world's biggest refugee population. President Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday it could not handle a new influx and was urging Russia to stop the strikes in Syria's northwestern Idlib province.

The Turkey-based Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH) said on Monday 120,000 Syrians were fleeing towards the Turkish border - higher than Erdogan's estimate of 80,000.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-objects-to-malaysias-un-submission-on-south-china-sea-scmp-268661">UN</a>&nbsp;Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an immediate end to the hostilities, which he said had displaced 30,000 people in the last week alone, his spokesman said.

"The Secretary-General reminds all parties of their obligations to protect civilians and ensure freedom of movement," UN&nbsp;spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has vowed to recapture the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-backed-syrian-forces-gain-ground-in-idlib-269853">Idlib region</a>, the last significant area of Syria still under rebel control after 8-1/2 years of civil war.

Russia and Iran have supported Assad's forces during the Syrian conflict while Turkey has backed Syrian rebels fighting Assad.

Russian and Syrian army jets have been targeting civilian convoys trying to flee the Idlib city of Maarat al-Numan, leaving hundreds of families still trapped there, activists and aid groups have said.

"It's a tragic situation for civilians remaining in the city since Russian jets are hitting any convoy that leaves the city, while those who were able to reach areas closer to the border have nowhere to shelter," said Mohamad Rasheed, an activist in the area.

&nbsp;

LIBYA ALSO IN FOCUS

The Syrian army said on Monday it had fought fierce battles in southeastern Idlib and seized several villages after killing large numbers of what it called terrorists.

"People are lying on the ground sleeping in the open with no blankets and under rain and cold," said Feras Saad, who fled the city with his family and found shelter in the border village of Harabosh.

Moscow and Damascus both deny allegations of indiscriminate bombing of civilian areas and say they are fighting al Qaeda-inspired Islamist militants.

A Turkish diplomatic source said the delegation in Russia will also discuss Turkey's potential troop deployment and military support to Libya, after Ankara and Tripoli signed a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-says-turkey-will-increase-military-support-to-libya-if-necessary-269588">military cooperation</a> accord last month.

Russia has said it is concerned about any such deployment.

Erdogan said on Sunday Turkey could increase military support to Fayez al-Serraj's UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA), which has been fighting off an offensive by east Libya forces led by <a href="wionews.com/world/eastern-libyan-force-warns-against-transporting-military-equipment-in-civilian-planes-269619">Khalifa Haftar</a>.

Russia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates have backed Haftar's forces.

Later on Monday, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu held a phone call with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov to discuss developments in Syria and Libya. It did not give further details.

A Turkish delegation was in Russia on Monday for talks on Syria, following reports that Russian-backed attacks there were forcing tens of thousands more Syrians to flee towards Turkey.

A Turkish delegation was in Russia on Monday for talks on Syria, following reports that Russian-backed attacks there were forcing tens of thousands more Syrians to flee towards Turkey. Turkey already hosts about 3.7 million Syrians - the world's biggest refugee population. President Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday it could not handle a new influx and was urging Russia to stop the strikes in Syria's northwestern Idlib province. The Turkey-based Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH) said on Monday 120,000 Syrians were fleeing towards the Turkish border - higher than Erdogan's estimate of 80,000. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an immediate end to the hostilities, which he said had displaced 30,000 people in the last week alone, his spokesman said. "The Secretary-General reminds all parties of their obligations to protect civilians and ensure freedom of movement," UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has vowed to recapture the Idlib region, the last significant area of Syria still under rebel control after 8-1/2 years of civil war. Russia and Iran have supported Assad's forces during the Syrian conflict while Turkey has backed Syrian rebels fighting Assad. Russian and Syrian army jets have been targeting civilian convoys trying to flee the Idlib city of Maarat al-Numan, leaving hundreds of families still trapped there, activists and aid groups have said. "It's a tragic situation for civilians remaining in the city since Russian jets are hitting any convoy that leaves the city, while those who were able to reach areas closer to the border have nowhere to shelter," said Mohamad Rasheed, an activist in the area. LIBYA ALSO IN FOCUS The Syrian army said on Monday it had fought fierce battles in southeastern Idlib and seized several villages after killing large numbers of what it called terrorists. "People are lying on the ground sleeping in the open with no blankets and under rain and cold," said Feras Saad, who fled the city with his family and found shelter in the border village of Harabosh. Moscow and Damascus both deny allegations of indiscriminate bombing of civilian areas and say they are fighting al Qaeda-inspired Islamist militants. A Turkish diplomatic source said the delegation in Russia will also discuss Turkey's potential troop deployment and military support to Libya, after Ankara and Tripoli signed a military cooperation accord last month. Russia has said it is concerned about any such deployment. Erdogan said on Sunday Turkey could increase military support to Fayez al-Serraj's UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA), which has been fighting off an offensive by east Libya forces led by Khalifa Haftar. Russia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates have backed Haftar's forces. Later on Monday, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu held a phone call with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov to discuss developments in Syria and Libya. It did not give further details.

Turkey, Russia talk Syria as thousands flee bombing

Russia-backed Syrian forces gain ground after a week-long renewed assault against the rebels in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syria-regime-widens-control-over-idlib-fuelling-exodus-monitor-269591">Syria's Idlib</a>.

Reports said Russian planes continued to pound positions at Idlib killing at least nine civilians. The fresh assault has led to a new wave of mass exodus, Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights observed.

According to the war monitor, over 30,000 civilians have fled from southern Idlib since the ground assault by loyalists of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime began.

The Syrian Army said it had captured several villages on Monday near Maaret al-Numan. The Syrian Observatory said regime forces had surrounded several observation posts in a bid to push through the opposition bastion.

Amid the violence, a Turkish delegation arrived in Russian on Monday for talks on Syria even as President Tayyip Erdogan openly declared that Turkey cannot handle large scale influx of refugees.

Meanwhile, UN called for "immediate de-escalation" amid escalation of&nbsp; violent clashes in the area.

"The Secretary-General reminds all parties of their obligations to protect civilians and ensure freedom of movement," UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.

&nbsp;

Russia-backed Syrian forces gain ground after a week-long renewed assault against the rebels in Syria's Idlib. Reports said Russian planes continued to pound positions at Idlib killing at least nine civilians.

Russia-backed Syrian forces gain ground after a week-long renewed assault against the rebels in Syria's Idlib. Reports said Russian planes continued to pound positions at Idlib killing at least nine civilians. The fresh assault has led to a new wave of mass exodus, Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights observed. According to the war monitor, over 30,000 civilians have fled from southern Idlib since the ground assault by loyalists of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime began. The Syrian Army said it had captured several villages on Monday near Maaret al-Numan. The Syrian Observatory said regime forces had surrounded several observation posts in a bid to push through the opposition bastion. Amid the violence, a Turkish delegation arrived in Russian on Monday for talks on Syria even as President Tayyip Erdogan openly declared that Turkey cannot handle large scale influx of refugees. Meanwhile, UN called for "immediate de-escalation" amid escalation of violent clashes in the area. "The Secretary-General reminds all parties of their obligations to protect civilians and ensure freedom of movement," UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.

Russia-backed Syrian forces gain ground in Idlib

At least eight people, including five children, were killed Tuesday in Russian airstrikes on a school in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syria-regime-widens-control-over-idlib-fuelling-exodus-monitor-269591">northwest Syria</a> sheltering displaced civilians, according to a war monitor.

The strikes targeted the village of Jubass near the town of Saraqeb in southern Idlib province, killing civilians sheltering in and near a school, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

An uptick in attacks around Saraqeb over the past 24 hours has driven thousands of people out, the Observatory added.

The heightened regime and Russian bombardments on southern Idlib since December 16 have forced tens of thousands of vulnerable people to flee their homes, according to the United Nations.

Nearly 80 civilians have been killed by airstrikes and artillery attacks over that same period, according to the Observatory, which puts the number of displaced in recent weeks at more than 40,000.&nbsp;

The UN has called for "immediate de-escalation" and warned of further mass displacement if the violence continues in Syria's last major opposition bastion.

But Russian and regime airstrikes have continued to pummel the region as Damascus loyalists advanced on the ground.&nbsp;

Since Thursday, regime forces have taken control of dozens of towns and villages in southern Idlib following battles with jihadists.

The clashes have killed 260 fighters on both sides, according to the Observatory.

Regime forces are now less than four kilometres (two miles) from the strategic city of Maaret al-Numan, the head of the Britain-based monitor, Rami Abdel Rahman said.

Civilian exodus

Fearing further advances, thousands of Maaret al-Numan's residents have fled.&nbsp;

"I did not expect to have to leave," said Abu Ahmad, poking his head out of the pick-up truck driving him and his family towards a camp for the displaced.&nbsp;

"This is my home, this is where I grew up," the father of ten said.

Idlib is dominated by the country's former Al-Qaeda affiliate, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.&nbsp;

It hosts some three million people including many displaced by years of violence in other parts of Syria.&nbsp;

The Damascus regime, which now controls 70 per cent of Syria, has repeatedly vowed to take back the area.

Backed by Moscow, Damascus launched a blistering offensive against Idlib in April, killing around 1,000 civilians and displacing more than 400,000 people.

Despite a ceasefire announced in August, the bombardment has continued, killing hundreds of civilians and fighters.

The latest spike in violence comes after Russia and China on Friday vetoed a UN Security Council resolution that would have extended for a year cross-border aid deliveries to four million Syrians, many of them in Idlib.&nbsp;

The move raised fears that UN-funded assistance could stop entering opposition-held parts of Syria from January unless an alternative agreement is reached.

Syria's war has killed over 370,000 people and displaced millions since beginning in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-government protests.

At least eight people, including five children, were killed Tuesday in Russian airstrikes on a school in northwest Syria sheltering displaced civilians, according to a war monitor.

At least eight people, including five children, were killed Tuesday in Russian airstrikes on a school in northwest Syria sheltering displaced civilians, according to a war monitor. The strikes targeted the village of Jubass near the town of Saraqeb in southern Idlib province, killing civilians sheltering in and near a school, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. An uptick in attacks around Saraqeb over the past 24 hours has driven thousands of people out, the Observatory added. The heightened regime and Russian bombardments on southern Idlib since December 16 have forced tens of thousands of vulnerable people to flee their homes, according to the United Nations. Nearly 80 civilians have been killed by airstrikes and artillery attacks over that same period, according to the Observatory, which puts the number of displaced in recent weeks at more than 40,000. The UN has called for "immediate de-escalation" and warned of further mass displacement if the violence continues in Syria's last major opposition bastion. But Russian and regime airstrikes have continued to pummel the region as Damascus loyalists advanced on the ground. Since Thursday, regime forces have taken control of dozens of towns and villages in southern Idlib following battles with jihadists. The clashes have killed 260 fighters on both sides, according to the Observatory. Regime forces are now less than four kilometres (two miles) from the strategic city of Maaret al-Numan, the head of the Britain-based monitor, Rami Abdel Rahman said. Civilian exodus Fearing further advances, thousands of Maaret al-Numan's residents have fled. "I did not expect to have to leave," said Abu Ahmad, poking his head out of the pick-up truck driving him and his family towards a camp for the displaced. "This is my home, this is where I grew up," the father of ten said. Idlib is dominated by the country's former Al-Qaeda affiliate, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. It hosts some three million people including many displaced by years of violence in other parts of Syria. The Damascus regime, which now controls 70 per cent of Syria, has repeatedly vowed to take back the area. Backed by Moscow, Damascus launched a blistering offensive against Idlib in April, killing around 1,000 civilians and displacing more than 400,000 people. Despite a ceasefire announced in August, the bombardment has continued, killing hundreds of civilians and fighters. The latest spike in violence comes after Russia and China on Friday vetoed a UN Security Council resolution that would have extended for a year cross-border aid deliveries to four million Syrians, many of them in Idlib. The move raised fears that UN-funded assistance could stop entering opposition-held parts of Syria from January unless an alternative agreement is reached. Syria's war has killed over 370,000 people and displaced millions since beginning in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-government protests.

Russian airstrikes kill 8 civilians in Syria's Idlib, including 5 children

In the latest update from Syria the Bashar al-Assad army is gaining considerable ground in the northern city. They have captured dozens of cities since the operation started last week. #SyrianArmy #Idlib #Syria

WION Dispatch: Syrian army gains ground in IDLIB, surrounds Turkish Army post

In the coming days, the Syrian Arab Army will likely capture the remaining towns and villages southeast of Ma’arat Al-Nu’man, as they prepare to storm the city.

Syrian Army captures strategic town in Idlib

US military personnel began an operation to deliver Christmas presents to troops in Syria. Troops taking part in 'Holiday Express' transported stockings stuffed with gifts to five bases in the country's east on Monday.

Special Christmas delivery for US troops in Syria

Four cruise missiles were believed to have been launched across the coast through Lebanese airspace towards Syria, a source in the regional alliance supporting Syrian President Bashar <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syrias-assad-says-he-does-not-want-turkey-as-an-enemy-259172">al-Assad</a> told Reuters.

Later the army said it had brought down one of the missiles in an area near the capital. It gave no further details and there was no immediate comment from Israel.

Israel has launched hundreds of missiles towards Syria in recent years, targeting Iranian-backed militias operating in the country as well as supplies sent by pro-Iranian Lebanese <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanese-army-clashes-with-supporters-of-hezbollah-amal-in-beirut-268624">Hezbollah</a> to support Assad's forces.

Iran and Hezbollah are fighting on the side of President Bashar al-Assad in the Syrian war, and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-carried-out-strikes-on-irans-quds-force-syrian-targets-israel-army-263308">Israel</a> says they are trying to turn Syria into a new front against Israelis.

Israel has vowed it will continue its strikes against Iranian targets trying to establish a permanent military presence there and against advanced weapons shipments to Hezbollah.

Four cruise missiles were believed to have been launched across the coast through Lebanese airspace towards Syria, a source in the regional alliance supporting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad told Reuters.

Four cruise missiles were believed to have been launched across the coast through Lebanese airspace towards Syria, a source in the regional alliance supporting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad told Reuters. Later the army said it had brought down one of the missiles in an area near the capital. It gave no further details and there was no immediate comment from Israel. Israel has launched hundreds of missiles towards Syria in recent years, targeting Iranian-backed militias operating in the country as well as supplies sent by pro-Iranian Lebanese Hezbollah to support Assad's forces. Iran and Hezbollah are fighting on the side of President Bashar al-Assad in the Syrian war, and Israel says they are trying to turn Syria into a new front against Israelis. Israel has vowed it will continue its strikes against Iranian targets trying to establish a permanent military presence there and against advanced weapons shipments to Hezbollah.

Syrian air defense intercepts missiles from Israel: Report

On Saturday US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo described as "shameful" Russia and China blocking the UN resolution, which would have extended for a year cross-border humanitarian aid to four million Syrians.

"To Russia and China, who have chosen to make a political statement by opposing this resolution, you have blood on your hands," <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-imposes-fresh-sanctions-on-iran-still-hopeful-for-prisoner-talks-267740">Pompeo</a> said in a statement.

China reacted angrily Monday, saying it voted on the basis of "right and wrong".

"We firmly reject the unjustifiable accusations made by the US side on China's voting position," foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said&nbsp;at a regular press briefing in Beijing.

Geng said the US was "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/icc-to-probe-alleged-war-crimes-in-palestinian-territories-269444">politicising humanitarian issues</a>" and "pursuing a typical double standard".

Humanitarian aid currently flows into Syria through UN-designated checkpoints in Turkey and Iraq without the formal permission of the regime in Damascus, but that authority is due to expire on January 10.

Germany, Belgium and Kuwait presented a resolution extending that authority for a year, winning the support of 13 council members but drawing the vetoes of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-china-block-un-demand-for-seven-day-aleppo-truce-9783">Russia and China</a>.

A competing Russian resolution would have granted a six-month extension while reducing the number of UN crossing points, but it failed to get the minimum nine votes.

Russia -- an ally and major supporter of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad -- has used its veto 14 times on Syrian issues since civil war broke out there in 2011.

The resolution failed as tens of thousands of civilians have been fleeing the northwestern Idlib region amid heavy bombardments by Assad's Russian-backed government, in the last bastion of the jihadist opposition.

On Saturday US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo described as "shameful" Russia and China blocking the UN resolution, which would have extended for a year cross-border humanitarian aid to four million Syrians.

On Saturday US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo described as "shameful" Russia and China blocking the UN resolution, which would have extended for a year cross-border humanitarian aid to four million Syrians. "To Russia and China, who have chosen to make a political statement by opposing this resolution, you have blood on your hands," Pompeo said in a statement. China reacted angrily Monday, saying it voted on the basis of "right and wrong". "We firmly reject the unjustifiable accusations made by the US side on China's voting position," foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said at a regular press briefing in Beijing. Geng said the US was "politicising humanitarian issues" and "pursuing a typical double standard". Humanitarian aid currently flows into Syria through UN-designated checkpoints in Turkey and Iraq without the formal permission of the regime in Damascus, but that authority is due to expire on January 10. Germany, Belgium and Kuwait presented a resolution extending that authority for a year, winning the support of 13 council members but drawing the vetoes of Russia and China. A competing Russian resolution would have granted a six-month extension while reducing the number of UN crossing points, but it failed to get the minimum nine votes. Russia -- an ally and major supporter of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad -- has used its veto 14 times on Syrian issues since civil war broke out there in 2011. The resolution failed as tens of thousands of civilians have been fleeing the northwestern Idlib region amid heavy bombardments by Assad's Russian-backed government, in the last bastion of the jihadist opposition.

'US politicising humanitarian issues': China slams Pompeo's criticism of Syria aid veto

A war&nbsp;monitor&nbsp;said Monday that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syrian-air-defense-intercepts-missiles-from-israel-report-269618">air raids in&nbsp;Syria</a>&nbsp;the previous night, blamed&nbsp;on&nbsp;Israel,&nbsp;killed&nbsp;at least three foreign pro-regime&nbsp;fighters south of the war-torn country's capital.&nbsp;

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Sunday night's attack hit Syrian&nbsp;regime&nbsp;and Iranian positions south of Damascus.

It said three non-Syrian loyalist fighters were&nbsp;killed&nbsp;by a rocket blast between the suburb of Aqraba and the nearby Sayyida Zeinab neighbourhood, home to a shrine revered by Shiite Muslims.

It did not specify their nationality but said they were likely Iranian.&nbsp;

Syrian state news agency SANA reported the attack just before midnight&nbsp;on&nbsp;Sunday.

It said Syrian air defences fired&nbsp;on&nbsp;"hostile missiles" coming from "the Occupied Territories", referring to Israel.&nbsp;

It said one missile came down in Aqraba, southeast of Damascus.

Israel has not publicly claimed responsibility for the raids.

Watch:&nbsp;80,000 Syrian migrants marching to Turkey, says Recep Erdogan

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/80000-syrian-migrants-marching-to-turkey-says-recep-erdogan-269633/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

An&nbsp;Israeli&nbsp;army spokeswoman contacted by AFP said Israel does not comment&nbsp;on&nbsp;reports in foreign media.

Since the beginning of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syria-regime-widens-control-over-idlib-fuelling-exodus-monitor-269591">Syrian conflict</a> in 2011, Israel has conducted hundreds of strikes in&nbsp;Syria&nbsp;against Iranian targets and pro-Tehran militias allied with the&nbsp;regime&nbsp;of President Bashar al-Assad.

An&nbsp;Israeli&nbsp;strike&nbsp;on&nbsp;November 20&nbsp;killed&nbsp;21 pro-regime&nbsp;fighters including 16 foreigners, along with two civilians, according to the Observatory.

In July, six Iranians and three pro-regime&nbsp;Syrian fighters were&nbsp;killed&nbsp;in reported&nbsp;Israeli&nbsp;missile strikes in the southern provinces of Daraa and Quneitra, according to the Observatory.

A month later, the&nbsp;Israeli&nbsp;army carried out a&nbsp;strike&nbsp;in Aqraba, killing two Hezbollah and one Iranian fighter.&nbsp;

The war in&nbsp;Syria&nbsp;has&nbsp;killed&nbsp;more than 370,000 people and displaced millions since it began with anti-government demonstrations brutally crushed by security forces.

A war monitor said Monday that air raids in Syria the previous night, blamed on Israel, killed at least three foreign pro-regime fighters south of the war-torn country's capital.

A war monitor said Monday that air raids in Syria the previous night, blamed on Israel, killed at least three foreign pro-regime fighters south of the war-torn country's capital. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Sunday night's attack hit Syrian regime and Iranian positions south of Damascus. It said three non-Syrian loyalist fighters were killed by a rocket blast between the suburb of Aqraba and the nearby Sayyida Zeinab neighbourhood, home to a shrine revered by Shiite Muslims. It did not specify their nationality but said they were likely Iranian. Syrian state news agency SANA reported the attack just before midnight on Sunday. It said Syrian air defences fired on "hostile missiles" coming from "the Occupied Territories", referring to Israel. It said one missile came down in Aqraba, southeast of Damascus. Israel has not publicly claimed responsibility for the raids. Watch: 80,000 Syrian migrants marching to Turkey, says Recep Erdogan An Israeli army spokeswoman contacted by AFP said Israel does not comment on reports in foreign media. Since the beginning of the Syrian conflict in 2011, Israel has conducted hundreds of strikes in Syria against Iranian targets and pro-Tehran militias allied with the regime of President Bashar al-Assad. An Israeli strike on November 20 killed 21 pro-regime fighters including 16 foreigners, along with two civilians, according to the Observatory. In July, six Iranians and three pro-regime Syrian fighters were killed in reported Israeli missile strikes in the southern provinces of Daraa and Quneitra, according to the Observatory. A month later, the Israeli army carried out a strike in Aqraba, killing two Hezbollah and one Iranian fighter. The war in Syria has killed more than 370,000 people and displaced millions since it began with anti-government demonstrations brutally crushed by security forces.

Israeli strike on Syria killed 3 regime loyalists: Sources

Regime forces have seized dozens of towns and villages in northwest Syria from jihadists following days of violent clashes, fuelling an exodus of civilians, a war monitor said Sunday.&nbsp;

The fresh advances in Idlib province bring regime loyalists closer to capturing one of the largest urban centres in Syria's last major opposition bastion, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

"This push is an attempt to get closer to Maaret al-Numan," Observatory head Rami Abdul Rahman told AFP.

Residents of the southern Idlib town flooded out of the area fearing further advances, an AFP correspondent there said.

The Observatory said more than 30,000 people had fled the flashpoint area in southern Idlib in recent days.

Abu Akram, a resident, said rescue workers and local relief groups were struggling to get families out.

"Everybody is working at full capacity but they can't handle such a large number of people," the father of five told AFP after he couldn't find a vehicle to drive his own family further north.&nbsp;

The jihadist-dominated Idlib region hosts some three million people including many displaced by years of violence in other parts of Syria.&nbsp;

The Damascus regime has repeatedly vowed to take back the area and bombardment has continued despite a ceasefire announced in August.

Heightened regime and Russian bombardment on the Maaret al-Numan region since December 16 has forced tens of thousands of vulnerable people to flee their homes, according to the United Nations.

The UN has called for "immediate de-escalation" and warned of further mass displacement if the violence continues.&nbsp;

"Nowhere is safe. If we stay inside our homes, or if we flee outside, we will die either way," said Abu Akram.

Damascus loyalists have since Thursday been locked in battles with jihadists and allied rebels, seizing a total of 25 towns and villages from their control, according to the Observatory.

Four days of fighting has killed 103 militants as well as 71 regime loyalists, bringing the total toll to more than 170 dead on both sides, added the monitor, which is based in Britain and relies on an extensive network inside Syria.&nbsp;

The Idlib region is controlled by the country's former Al-Qaeda affiliate, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.&nbsp;

Pro-government forces launched a blistering offensive against the region in April, killing around 1,000 civilians and displacing more than 400,000 people from their homes.

Syria's war has killed over 370,000 people and displaced millions since beginning in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-government protests.

Regime forces have seized dozens of towns and villages in northwest Syria from jihadists following days of violent clashes, fuelling an exodus of civilians, a war monitor said Sunday.

Regime forces have seized dozens of towns and villages in northwest Syria from jihadists following days of violent clashes, fuelling an exodus of civilians, a war monitor said Sunday. The fresh advances in Idlib province bring regime loyalists closer to capturing one of the largest urban centres in Syria's last major opposition bastion, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. "This push is an attempt to get closer to Maaret al-Numan," Observatory head Rami Abdul Rahman told AFP. Residents of the southern Idlib town flooded out of the area fearing further advances, an AFP correspondent there said. The Observatory said more than 30,000 people had fled the flashpoint area in southern Idlib in recent days. Abu Akram, a resident, said rescue workers and local relief groups were struggling to get families out. "Everybody is working at full capacity but they can't handle such a large number of people," the father of five told AFP after he couldn't find a vehicle to drive his own family further north. The jihadist-dominated Idlib region hosts some three million people including many displaced by years of violence in other parts of Syria. The Damascus regime has repeatedly vowed to take back the area and bombardment has continued despite a ceasefire announced in August. Heightened regime and Russian bombardment on the Maaret al-Numan region since December 16 has forced tens of thousands of vulnerable people to flee their homes, according to the United Nations. The UN has called for "immediate de-escalation" and warned of further mass displacement if the violence continues. "Nowhere is safe. If we stay inside our homes, or if we flee outside, we will die either way," said Abu Akram. Damascus loyalists have since Thursday been locked in battles with jihadists and allied rebels, seizing a total of 25 towns and villages from their control, according to the Observatory. Four days of fighting has killed 103 militants as well as 71 regime loyalists, bringing the total toll to more than 170 dead on both sides, added the monitor, which is based in Britain and relies on an extensive network inside Syria. The Idlib region is controlled by the country's former Al-Qaeda affiliate, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. Pro-government forces launched a blistering offensive against the region in April, killing around 1,000 civilians and displacing more than 400,000 people from their homes. Syria's war has killed over 370,000 people and displaced millions since beginning in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-government protests.

Syria regime widens control over Idlib, fuelling exodus: Monitor

Officials and security sources&nbsp;reported that "US forces conducted an operation and captured a leader of paramilitary Sunni tribal fighters over participating in a rocket attack on an airbase housing US&nbsp;troops stationed in Iraq's western province of Anbar.

"The US&nbsp;troops conducted an airdrop operation before dawn on a house in Jubba area and arrested Naseer al-Obeidi, a leader of local tribal fighters affiliated with the Hashd Shaabi forces"&nbsp;a local official said, on condition of anonymity.

Multiple rockets hit an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/rockets-hit-military-base-near-baghdad-airport-6-wounded-military-statement-267191">airbase</a> that houses US troops in western Iraq`s Anbar province on December 3 but no casualties were reported, the Iraqi military had said.

The incident came just over a week after US Vice President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/american-vice-president-avoids-baghdad-leaders-on-surprise-iraq-visit-264128">Mike Pence</a> and his wife Karen had met the American soldiers stationed at the base ahead of Thanksgiving Day.

Officials and security sources reported that "US forces conducted an operation and captured a leader of paramilitary Sunni tribal fighters over participating in a rocket attack on an airbase housing US troops stationed in Iraq's western province of Anbar.

Officials and security sources reported that "US forces conducted an operation and captured a leader of paramilitary Sunni tribal fighters over participating in a rocket attack on an airbase housing US troops stationed in Iraq's western province of Anbar. "The US troops conducted an airdrop operation before dawn on a house in Jubba area and arrested Naseer al-Obeidi, a leader of local tribal fighters affiliated with the Hashd Shaabi forces" a local official said, on condition of anonymity. Multiple rockets hit an airbase that houses US troops in western Iraq`s Anbar province on December 3 but no casualties were reported, the Iraqi military had said. The incident came just over a week after US Vice President Mike Pence and his wife Karen had met the American soldiers stationed at the base ahead of Thanksgiving Day.

Iraq: US Forces capture leader of paramilitary Sunni tribal fighters

Airstrikes by unidentified warplanes have killed five pro-Iran fighters in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/around-200-displaced-syrians-leave-al-hol-camp-kurdish-official-266983">Syria's eastern province</a> of Deir Ezzor near the Iraqi border, a Britain-based war monitor said on Sunday.

The strikes late Saturday targeted "positions of Iranian forces and allied militias" on the edge of the town of Albukamal, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

"Five non-Syrian fighters were killed," Observatory chief Rami Abdel Rahman told AFP, without being able to provide their nationalities.

Regime troops, Iranian forces and allied Iran-backed fighters, including from Iraq, are present in the area on the western banks of the Euphrates River, he said.

According to the Observatory, 10 Iraqi fighters were killed in September in airstrikes of unknown origin in the same area.

At the start of that month, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/air-strikes-kill-19-civilians-in-northwest-syria-monitor-266857">air raids killed 18 pro-Iran fighters</a>, the monitor reported.

In June 2018, strikes near the Iraqi border killed 55 pro-regime forces, mostly Syrians and Iraqis, the Observatory said.

An American official said at the time that Israel was responsible, but the Jewish state declined to comment.

Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes in Syria on what it says are positions of Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah and Iranian forces, which it has vowed to prevent gaining a foothold in Syrian territory.

But the US-led coalition that has been fighting the Islamic State group has in the past also admitted to carrying out airstrikes against pro-regime fighters.

The coalition is backing Kurdish-led fighters on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-military-completes-pullback-from-northeast-syria-esper-says-266313">eastern shores</a> of the Euphrates.

Airstrikes by unidentified warplanes have killed five pro-Iran fighters in Syria's eastern province of Deir Ezzor near the Iraqi border, a Britain-based war monitor said on Sunday.

Airstrikes by unidentified warplanes have killed five pro-Iran fighters in Syria's eastern province of Deir Ezzor near the Iraqi border, a Britain-based war monitor said on Sunday. The strikes late Saturday targeted "positions of Iranian forces and allied militias" on the edge of the town of Albukamal, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. "Five non-Syrian fighters were killed," Observatory chief Rami Abdel Rahman told AFP, without being able to provide their nationalities. Regime troops, Iranian forces and allied Iran-backed fighters, including from Iraq, are present in the area on the western banks of the Euphrates River, he said. According to the Observatory, 10 Iraqi fighters were killed in September in airstrikes of unknown origin in the same area. At the start of that month, air raids killed 18 pro-Iran fighters, the monitor reported. In June 2018, strikes near the Iraqi border killed 55 pro-regime forces, mostly Syrians and Iraqis, the Observatory said. An American official said at the time that Israel was responsible, but the Jewish state declined to comment. Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes in Syria on what it says are positions of Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah and Iranian forces, which it has vowed to prevent gaining a foothold in Syrian territory. But the US-led coalition that has been fighting the Islamic State group has in the past also admitted to carrying out airstrikes against pro-regime fighters. The coalition is backing Kurdish-led fighters on the eastern shores of the Euphrates.

Syria: Airstrikes kill five pro-Iran fighters

Syrian regime and Russian <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thirty-killed-across-syria-as-violence-rages-265808">air strikes </a>on Saturday killed 19 civilians, eight of them children, in the country's last major opposition bastion, a war monitor said.

The air raids in the jihadist-run northwestern region of Idlib also wounded several others, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

Air strikes by regime ally Russia killed four civilians including a child in the village of Al-Bara in the south of the region, the Observatory said.

An AFP correspondent at the scene saw rescue workers pick through the rubble of a two-storey home whose concrete roof had collapsed.

Rescuers carried away the body of a victim wrapped in a blanket on a stretcher.

Russian raids also killed nine civilians including three children in the nearby village of Balyun, the Observatory said.

Crude barrel bombs dropped by government helicopters killed five civilians including three children in the village of Abadeeta, also in the same area.

In the southeast of the embattled region, a raid by a regime aircraft killed another child in the village of Bajghas, the Observatory said.&nbsp;

The Britain-based monitor, which relies on a network of sources inside Syria, says it determines the provenance of an air strike by looking at flight patterns and the aircraft and munitions involved.

The Idlib region, which is home to some three million people including many displaced by Syria's civil war, is controlled by the country's former Al-Qaeda affiliate.

The Damascus regime has repeatedly vowed to take back control of Idlib.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's forces launched a blistering military campaign against the region in April, killing around 1,000 civilians and displacing more than 400,000 people from their homes.

A ceasefire announced by Moscow has largely held since late August.

But the Observatory says deadly bombardment and skirmishes have persisted, with more than 200 civilians killed in the region since the deal.

Syria's war has killed over 370,000 people and displaced millions from their homes since beginning in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-Assad protests.

Syrian regime and Russian air strikes on Saturday killed 19 civilians, eight of them children, in the country's last major opposition bastion, a war monitor said.

Syrian regime and Russian air strikes on Saturday killed 19 civilians, eight of them children, in the country's last major opposition bastion, a war monitor said. The air raids in the jihadist-run northwestern region of Idlib also wounded several others, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. Air strikes by regime ally Russia killed four civilians including a child in the village of Al-Bara in the south of the region, the Observatory said. An AFP correspondent at the scene saw rescue workers pick through the rubble of a two-storey home whose concrete roof had collapsed. Rescuers carried away the body of a victim wrapped in a blanket on a stretcher. Russian raids also killed nine civilians including three children in the nearby village of Balyun, the Observatory said. Crude barrel bombs dropped by government helicopters killed five civilians including three children in the village of Abadeeta, also in the same area. In the southeast of the embattled region, a raid by a regime aircraft killed another child in the village of Bajghas, the Observatory said. The Britain-based monitor, which relies on a network of sources inside Syria, says it determines the provenance of an air strike by looking at flight patterns and the aircraft and munitions involved. The Idlib region, which is home to some three million people including many displaced by Syria's civil war, is controlled by the country's former Al-Qaeda affiliate. The Damascus regime has repeatedly vowed to take back control of Idlib. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's forces launched a blistering military campaign against the region in April, killing around 1,000 civilians and displacing more than 400,000 people from their homes. A ceasefire announced by Moscow has largely held since late August. But the Observatory says deadly bombardment and skirmishes have persisted, with more than 200 civilians killed in the region since the deal. Syria's war has killed over 370,000 people and displaced millions from their homes since beginning in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-Assad protests.

Air strikes kill 19 civilians in northwest Syria: Monitor

The United States has completed its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/syria-troop-withdrawal-is-donald-trump-burying-the-post-war-liberal-world-order-186963">military pullback</a> in northeastern Syria, settling into a more stable posture of about 600 troops in the rest of the country after repositioning and reducing forces, Defense Secretary Mark Esper said.

Esper's remarks in an interview with Reuters could signal the end of a period of turbulence and uncertainty surrounding the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-planning-to-send-14000-troops-to-middle-east-report-266277">US military</a> presence in Syria after President Donald Trump's initial withdrawal order in October.

Since then, troop levels in Syria have fallen about 40 per cent from around 1,000.

Esper stressed he retained the ability to move in and out smaller numbers of forces as needed into Syria. But he suggested the number of troops will fluctuate around the 600-level for the foreseeable future.

"It will be relatively static around that number. But if we see things happen ... I can dial up a little bit," Esper said late on Wednesday during a flight back from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-meets-erdogan-unannounced-at-nato-summit-266252">NATO summit</a> on the outskirts of London.

Esper also didn't rule out being able to reduce US troop levels in Syria further if European allies contributed to the Syria mission.

"The coalition is talking a lot again. We could see some allies want to volunteer troops," Esper said, without suggesting any new contribution was imminent.

"If an allied country, a NATO country, decided to give us 50 people, I might be able to turn off 50 people."

The US military says it is focused on preventing a resurgence of Islamic State in Syria and carried out a raid last month that led to the death of Islamic State leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/al-baghdadis-death-the-rise-and-fall-of-the-leader-of-islamic-state-258617">Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi</a>.

Trump, in London, said he wanted remaining US forces to ensure Syria's oil reserves don't fall back into the militant group's hands.

"We kept the oil. And the oil is what fueled ISIS," Trump said, using an acronym for Islamic State.

Trump softened his pullout plans for Syria after backlash from Congress, including among key Republicans, who say he cleared the way for a long-threatened Turkish incursion against Kurdish forces in Syria who had been America's top allies in the battle against Islamic State.

NATO diplomats worry that Turkey, a NATO member since 1952 and a critical ally in the Middle East, has increasingly acted unilaterally, launching its incursion in Syria against US-backed forces and buying advanced Russian S-400 air defences.

Washington says the S-400 system is incompatible with NATO air defences, poses a threat to Lockheed Martin Corp's F-35 stealth fighter jets and announced in July it was removing Turkey from the F-35 program. It has also warned of possible US&nbsp;sanctions.

After summit talks between Trump and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, Esper suggested Ankara had not budged yet on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-bought-s-400s-from-russia-to-use-them-not-to-put-them-aside-262580">S-400 issue</a>.

"There's no movement at this point," Esper said.

Still, after lobbying by NATO allies, including the United States, Erdogan backed off from a threat to block defence plans for the Baltic states and Poland unless allies declared Kurdish fighters in Syria terrorists.

"I think it was a positive move forward," Esper said, of the change in position by Turkey.

"They've been a valuable part of NATO for decades, from the earliest days. So we got to keep them in the fold."

The United States has completed its military pullback in northeastern Syria, settling into a more stable posture of about 600 troops in the rest of the country after repositioning and reducing forces, Defense Secretary Mark Esper said.

The United States has completed its military pullback in northeastern Syria, settling into a more stable posture of about 600 troops in the rest of the country after repositioning and reducing forces, Defense Secretary Mark Esper said. Esper's remarks in an interview with Reuters could signal the end of a period of turbulence and uncertainty surrounding the US military presence in Syria after President Donald Trump's initial withdrawal order in October. Since then, troop levels in Syria have fallen about 40 per cent from around 1,000. Esper stressed he retained the ability to move in and out smaller numbers of forces as needed into Syria. But he suggested the number of troops will fluctuate around the 600-level for the foreseeable future. "It will be relatively static around that number. But if we see things happen ... I can dial up a little bit," Esper said late on Wednesday during a flight back from the NATO summit on the outskirts of London. Esper also didn't rule out being able to reduce US troop levels in Syria further if European allies contributed to the Syria mission. "The coalition is talking a lot again. We could see some allies want to volunteer troops," Esper said, without suggesting any new contribution was imminent. "If an allied country, a NATO country, decided to give us 50 people, I might be able to turn off 50 people." The US military says it is focused on preventing a resurgence of Islamic State in Syria and carried out a raid last month that led to the death of Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Trump, in London, said he wanted remaining US forces to ensure Syria's oil reserves don't fall back into the militant group's hands. "We kept the oil. And the oil is what fueled ISIS," Trump said, using an acronym for Islamic State. Trump softened his pullout plans for Syria after backlash from Congress, including among key Republicans, who say he cleared the way for a long-threatened Turkish incursion against Kurdish forces in Syria who had been America's top allies in the battle against Islamic State. NATO diplomats worry that Turkey, a NATO member since 1952 and a critical ally in the Middle East, has increasingly acted unilaterally, launching its incursion in Syria against US-backed forces and buying advanced Russian S-400 air defences. Washington says the S-400 system is incompatible with NATO air defences, poses a threat to Lockheed Martin Corp's F-35 stealth fighter jets and announced in July it was removing Turkey from the F-35 program. It has also warned of possible US sanctions. After summit talks between Trump and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, Esper suggested Ankara had not budged yet on the S-400 issue. "There's no movement at this point," Esper said. Still, after lobbying by NATO allies, including the United States, Erdogan backed off from a threat to block defence plans for the Baltic states and Poland unless allies declared Kurdish fighters in Syria terrorists. "I think it was a positive move forward," Esper said, of the change in position by Turkey. "They've been a valuable part of NATO for decades, from the earliest days. So we got to keep them in the fold."

US military completes pullback from northeast Syria: Mark Esper

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