Islamic State has confirmed Amir Mohammed Abdul Rahman al Mawli al-Salbi as its new leader, The Guardian reported based on information from two intelligence services.

Reportedly, Salbi was named the leader hours after the death of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in October. After his death, Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Quraishi was perceived as the next leader but failed to gain recognition from other senior leaders.

One of the founding members of the terror outfit, he was behind the enslavement of Iraq's Yazidi minority and has overseen operations around the globe.

Islamic State or ISIS, which was pronounced dead by many global organisations has regained traction with a new leader. Salbi was born into an Iraqi-Turkish family in the town of Tal Afar, and is one of the few non-Arabs on board. &nbsp;

<h6><img alt="ISIS" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="02d5e446-24fb-4dad-8719-7be733abc024" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design_54.jpg" /> 
 
In this file photo taken on January 13, 2020 A picture during a press tour organised by the US-led coalition fighting the remnants of the Islamic State group, shows a view of the damage at Ain al-Asad military airbase housing US and other foreign troops in the western Iraqi province of Anbar. At least 11 American troops were injured in an Iranian attack on an Iraqi base where American soldiers were deployed, US Central Command said Thursday, although the US military had previously maintained there were no casualties | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

He is also known by the alias Haji Abdullah, and by many as Abdullah Qardash, even though Iraqi authorities claim that Qardash was a separate ISIS figure who died two years ago.&nbsp;

An Islamic scholar, Salbi used to give religious rulings which triggered a genocide against the Yazidis. He also plundered the Nieveh Plains in northern Iraq in an IS rampage.

In the aftermath of Baghdadi's death, spies have deciphered information and found Salbi at the centre of the Islamic State decisions. He is portrayed as a hardened veteran along the same lines as Baghdadi, with unmatched loyalty towards his group.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A graduate from the University of Mosul, he holds a degree in Sharia law. Earlier in 2004, he was detained by American forces in southern Iraq where he stumbled upon Baghdadi. The Guardian reported that he has at least one offspring.

Way before Baghdadi was killed in a US military raid on October 27 in Syria, the State Department of the country had put a $5 million bounty on Salbi's head and on two other senior members of the group. With Baghdadi's deteriorating health in August, Salbi was perceived as the heir.

<h6><img alt="is" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="af2f9c98-e3f5-41be-b951-5a5cd429b62a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_60.jpg" /> 
A woman pushes a stroller next to tents at the Kurdish-run al-Hol camp for the displaced in the al-Hasakeh governorate in northeastern Syria on January 14, 2020, where families of Islamic State (IS) foreign fighters are held. Kurdish authorities in northeast Syria warned that a UN vote to scrap The Yaroubiya entry point for cross-border aid will cripple at least half of the healthcare response in an area ravaged by battles, disrupting 60 to 70 percent of medical assistance to Al-Hol", an overcrowded desert camp brimming with tens of thousands of civilians and IS families, a Kurdish aid official said | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

The ISIS is now witnessing a demographic shift, with most people at the helm of the organisation being youngsters who had no or very little role to play in the battle against US forces in 2004.

Islamic State had gained considerable momentum in 2014 when Baghdadi proclaimed himself a caliph of the Islamic world. However, the organisation has been regrouping lately.

In northern Iraq, Kurdish forces have warned of an increase in attacks in the central and northern areas of the country. Between December 20 and 26, ISIS claimed to have carried out 106 attacks to avenge the death of Baghdadi and the Isis propaganda chief, Abu Hassan al-Muhaji.

Governments and agencies are now looking for Salbi, by tracking his brother Adel Salbi, a representative of the political party Turkmen Iraqi Front.

Most of the remaining ISIS mechanism is stationed at Mosul, where the communities are trying to rebuild after five years of war.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-arrests-147-islamic-state-suspects-271125">Turkey arrests 147 Islamic State suspects</a>

Islamic State has confirmed Amir Mohammed Abdul Rahman al Mawli al-Salbi as its new leader, The Guardian reported based on information from two intelligence services.

Islamic State has confirmed Amir Mohammed Abdul Rahman al Mawli al-Salbi as its new leader, The Guardian reported based on information from two intelligence services. Reportedly, Salbi was named the leader hours after the death of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in October. After his death, Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Quraishi was perceived as the next leader but failed to gain recognition from other senior leaders. One of the founding members of the terror outfit, he was behind the enslavement of Iraq's Yazidi minority and has overseen operations around the globe. Islamic State or ISIS, which was pronounced dead by many global organisations has regained traction with a new leader. Salbi was born into an Iraqi-Turkish family in the town of Tal Afar, and is one of the few non-Arabs on board. In this file photo taken on January 13, 2020 A picture during a press tour organised by the US-led coalition fighting the remnants of the Islamic State group, shows a view of the damage at Ain al-Asad military airbase housing US and other foreign troops in the western Iraqi province of Anbar. At least 11 American troops were injured in an Iranian attack on an Iraqi base where American soldiers were deployed, US Central Command said Thursday, although the US military had previously maintained there were no casualties | AFP He is also known by the alias Haji Abdullah, and by many as Abdullah Qardash, even though Iraqi authorities claim that Qardash was a separate ISIS figure who died two years ago. An Islamic scholar, Salbi used to give religious rulings which triggered a genocide against the Yazidis. He also plundered the Nieveh Plains in northern Iraq in an IS rampage. In the aftermath of Baghdadi's death, spies have deciphered information and found Salbi at the centre of the Islamic State decisions. He is portrayed as a hardened veteran along the same lines as Baghdadi, with unmatched loyalty towards his group. A graduate from the University of Mosul, he holds a degree in Sharia law. Earlier in 2004, he was detained by American forces in southern Iraq where he stumbled upon Baghdadi. The Guardian reported that he has at least one offspring. Way before Baghdadi was killed in a US military raid on October 27 in Syria, the State Department of the country had put a $5 million bounty on Salbi's head and on two other senior members of the group. With Baghdadi's deteriorating health in August, Salbi was perceived as the heir. A woman pushes a stroller next to tents at the Kurdish-run al-Hol camp for the displaced in the al-Hasakeh governorate in northeastern Syria on January 14, 2020, where families of Islamic State (IS) foreign fighters are held. Kurdish authorities in northeast Syria warned that a UN vote to scrap The Yaroubiya entry point for cross-border aid will cripple at least half of the healthcare response in an area ravaged by battles, disrupting 60 to 70 percent of medical assistance to Al-Hol", an overcrowded desert camp brimming with tens of thousands of civilians and IS families, a Kurdish aid official said | AFP The ISIS is now witnessing a demographic shift, with most people at the helm of the organisation being youngsters who had no or very little role to play in the battle against US forces in 2004. Islamic State had gained considerable momentum in 2014 when Baghdadi proclaimed himself a caliph of the Islamic world. However, the organisation has been regrouping lately. In northern Iraq, Kurdish forces have warned of an increase in attacks in the central and northern areas of the country. Between December 20 and 26, ISIS claimed to have carried out 106 attacks to avenge the death of Baghdadi and the Isis propaganda chief, Abu Hassan al-Muhaji. Governments and agencies are now looking for Salbi, by tracking his brother Adel Salbi, a representative of the political party Turkmen Iraqi Front. Most of the remaining ISIS mechanism is stationed at Mosul, where the communities are trying to rebuild after five years of war. Also read: Turkey arrests 147 Islamic State suspects

Founding member Al-Salbi confirmed as Islamic State's new leader: Sources

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-strike-kill-five-civilians-in-northwest-syria-monitor-275154">Russian airstrikes</a> killed 12 civilians Tuesday in northwestern Syria, as renewed violence tightened the noose around the country's last major opposition bastion and deepened an already dire humanitarian crisis.

Two of the victims were killed in a southern area of Idlib province while the other 10 died in a western region of neighbouring Aleppo province, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

The raids on Aleppo province killed eight members of the same <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/several-civilians-killed-as-syrian-government-presses-idlib-offensive-274750">family who were sheltering</a> in a house, Observatory chief Rami Abdel Rahman said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syria-missiles-kill-eight-in-school-turned-shelter-271451">Six children</a> were among those killed in the raid on the village of Kfar Taal, where three girls had already died a day earlier in strikes, according to the Britain-based monitor.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/syrian-and-russian-jets-pound-idlib-province-274552">Syrian and Russian jets pound Idlib province</a>

Most of Idlib province and parts of Aleppo province are still controlled by factions opposed to the regime of President Bashar al-Assad, including a group that includes onetime members of Al-Qaeda's former Syria franchise.

"Over the past three days, the bombardment on Idlib and its surroundings, including in western Aleppo, has been exclusively Russian," Abdel Rahman said.

The surge in violence comes despite a ceasefire announced by Russia earlier this month that never really took hold.

"They want to push rebels and jihadists away from the city of Aleppo and from the motorway linking Aleppo to Damascus," Abdel Rahman said.

He predicted that the airstrikes could be a prelude to a land offensive in western Aleppo, as the regime and its allies continue their drive to shrink the country's last opposition-held pocket.

"The regime has massed reinforcements on the outskirts of the city of Aleppo," Abdel Rahman said.

Russia has thousands of forces deployed across Syria in support of the army, while an unknown contingent of Russian private security personnel also operates on the ground.

Moscow's military intervention in 2015, four years into the Syrian conflict, helped keep Assad in power and marked a long, bloody reconquest of the territory lost to rebels in the early stages of the war.

The violence in northern Syria is escalating an already dire humanitarian situation, with aid groups warning of displacement on an unprecedented scale.

Idlib province alone is home to at least three million people, many of whom are in need of urgent humanitarian assistance.

According to the UN humanitarian coordination agency OCHA, almost 350,000 people have fled their homes since December 1, mainly heading northwards from southern Idlib, which has borne the brunt of the airstrikes.

The International Rescue Committee has warned that an additional 650,000 people, the majority of them children and women, could be forced from their homes if the violence continues.

Russian airstrikes killed 12 civilians Tuesday in northwestern Syria, as renewed violence tightened the noose around the country's last major opposition bastion and deepened an already dire humanitarian crisis.

Russian airstrikes killed 12 civilians Tuesday in northwestern Syria, as renewed violence tightened the noose around the country's last major opposition bastion and deepened an already dire humanitarian crisis. Two of the victims were killed in a southern area of Idlib province while the other 10 died in a western region of neighbouring Aleppo province, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. The raids on Aleppo province killed eight members of the same family who were sheltering in a house, Observatory chief Rami Abdel Rahman said. Six children were among those killed in the raid on the village of Kfar Taal, where three girls had already died a day earlier in strikes, according to the Britain-based monitor. Also Read: Syrian and Russian jets pound Idlib province Most of Idlib province and parts of Aleppo province are still controlled by factions opposed to the regime of President Bashar al-Assad, including a group that includes onetime members of Al-Qaeda's former Syria franchise. "Over the past three days, the bombardment on Idlib and its surroundings, including in western Aleppo, has been exclusively Russian," Abdel Rahman said. The surge in violence comes despite a ceasefire announced by Russia earlier this month that never really took hold. "They want to push rebels and jihadists away from the city of Aleppo and from the motorway linking Aleppo to Damascus," Abdel Rahman said. He predicted that the airstrikes could be a prelude to a land offensive in western Aleppo, as the regime and its allies continue their drive to shrink the country's last opposition-held pocket. "The regime has massed reinforcements on the outskirts of the city of Aleppo," Abdel Rahman said. Russia has thousands of forces deployed across Syria in support of the army, while an unknown contingent of Russian private security personnel also operates on the ground. Moscow's military intervention in 2015, four years into the Syrian conflict, helped keep Assad in power and marked a long, bloody reconquest of the territory lost to rebels in the early stages of the war. The violence in northern Syria is escalating an already dire humanitarian situation, with aid groups warning of displacement on an unprecedented scale. Idlib province alone is home to at least three million people, many of whom are in need of urgent humanitarian assistance. According to the UN humanitarian coordination agency OCHA, almost 350,000 people have fled their homes since December 1, mainly heading northwards from southern Idlib, which has borne the brunt of the airstrikes. The International Rescue Committee has warned that an additional 650,000 people, the majority of them children and women, could be forced from their homes if the violence continues.

Russian air strikes in Syria kill 12 civilians: Monitor

Norway’s anti-immigration Progress Party has resigned from the ruling coalition over a cabinet decision to repatriate a woman suspected of belonging to Islamic State from Syria so one of her young children could receive medical treatment.

Norway Populist Progress party quits from ruling coalition

This week’s inauguration of a new Red Sea Egyptian military base was pregnant with the symbolism of the rivalries shaping the future of the Middle East as well as north and east Africa.

The inauguration took on added significance as rebel Libyan Field Marshall Khalifa Haftar, backed by United Arab Emirates crown prince Mohammed bin Zayed and Egyptian General-turned-President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, snubbed Russian President Vladimir Putin by refusing to agree to a ceasefire in the Libyan war.

Haftar’s refusal thwarted, at least temporarily, an effort by Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to structure the ceasefire so that it would align opposing Russian and Turkish interests, allow the two parties to cooperate in the exploitation of Libya’s energy resources, and protect a Turkish-Libyan maritime agreement creating an Exclusive Economic Zone that strengthens Russian-backed Turkish manoeuvres in the eastern Mediterranean.

The manoeuvres are designed to thwart a Greek-Cypriot-Israeli agreement to build a pipeline that would supply gas to Europe, reducing European dependence on Russian gas in the process.

Critics charge that the maritime agreement that would limit Greek-Cypriot Israeli access to hydrocarbons in the Eastern Mediterranean, violates the Law of the Sea.

Warning that it would block European Union backing for any Libyan peace deal as long as the Turkish-Libyan maritime agreement was in place, Greece was one of the countries Haftar visited in the days between his rejection of a ceasefire and a conference on Libya hosted by Germany that is scheduled to be held in Berlin on January 19.

Haftar’s rejection came as Turkish troops arrived in Libya to bolster forces of the internationally recognised government of prime minister Fayez al-Sarraj defending the capital Tripoli against an eight-month-old assault by the field marshal’s rebel Libyan National Army (LNA) that is backed by Russian mercenaries with close ties to the Kremlin, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

Prince Mohammed’s presence at the inauguration of the Egyptian naval base underlined the UAE’s influence in Egypt since it backed Al-Sisi’s 2013 military coup that toppled the country’s first and only democratically elected President and the Emirates’ determination to counter Islamist forces as well as Turkish influence in Libya and the Horn of Africa.

UAE and Egyptian backing of Haftar is not just about countering jihadist and non-jihadist Islamists as well as Turkey, but also Qatar, Turkey’s ally, which also supports the Libyan rebels.

The UAE-Turkish-Qatari proxy war in Libya is increasingly also coloured by Prince Mohammed and Al-Sisi’s opposition to efforts to resolve divisions among the Gulf states that spilled into the open with the declaration of a Saudi-UAE-led diplomatic and economic boycott of Qatar in 2017.

Saudi Arabia has hinted in recent months that it may be amenable to an easing of the boycott, a move that is believed to be opposed by the UAE as long as Qatar does not make significant concessions on issues like freewheeling broadcaster Al Jazeera and support for political Islam.

The new naval base’s location symbolizes Egypt’s conundrum that also poses a problem for the UAE at a time that Egypt is at odds with Ethiopia over the operation of a giant dam that Ethiopia is building on the Blue Nile.

Stepping up involvement in Libya risks Egypt becoming embroiled in two conflicts at the same time.

Egypt claims the dam puts a million Egyptian jobs, $1.8 billion in economic output annually and electricity valued at $300 million at risk.

The base is aimed at "securing the country's southern coasts, protecting economic investments and natural resources and facing security threats in the Red Sea," according to a spokesman for Al-Sisi.

The president has warned that Egypt would take all the necessary measures to protect its rights to the Nile waters.

So far, Egypt is banking on mediation helping it avoiding being trapped between a rock and a hard place by achieving a ceasefire in Libya that would keep Egypt’s hands-free to deal with Ethiopia were a conflict to erupt.

The question is whether Haftar, who without signing the ceasefire agreement reportedly told German officials that he would adhere to its terms and the UAE are willing to play ball.

The proof will be in the pudding. German Chancellor Angela Merkel raised the stakes by insisting in advance of the Berlin talks that they ensure “That the weapons embargo is adhered to again.”

The United Nations has accused the UAE together with several other countries, including Turkey, of violating the UN embargo.

As a result, it may be the UAE rather than Haftar who has a decisive voice in Berlin.

Said North Africa expert Ben Fishman: “Until Abu Dhabi pulls back its drones, operators, and other crucial military support, the prospects for Libya’s stability will remain dim. 
 
Besides the fact that they provide the greatest advantage to Haftar’s forces, focusing on the Emiratis also makes sense because the other foreign players currently have reasons to de-escalate on their own.” 
 
(Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

This week’s inauguration of a new Red Sea Egyptian military base was pregnant with the symbolism of the rivalries shaping the future of the Middle East as well as north and east Africa.

This week’s inauguration of a new Red Sea Egyptian military base was pregnant with the symbolism of the rivalries shaping the future of the Middle East as well as north and east Africa. The inauguration took on added significance as rebel Libyan Field Marshall Khalifa Haftar, backed by United Arab Emirates crown prince Mohammed bin Zayed and Egyptian General-turned-President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, snubbed Russian President Vladimir Putin by refusing to agree to a ceasefire in the Libyan war. Haftar’s refusal thwarted, at least temporarily, an effort by Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to structure the ceasefire so that it would align opposing Russian and Turkish interests, allow the two parties to cooperate in the exploitation of Libya’s energy resources, and protect a Turkish-Libyan maritime agreement creating an Exclusive Economic Zone that strengthens Russian-backed Turkish manoeuvres in the eastern Mediterranean. The manoeuvres are designed to thwart a Greek-Cypriot-Israeli agreement to build a pipeline that would supply gas to Europe, reducing European dependence on Russian gas in the process. Critics charge that the maritime agreement that would limit Greek-Cypriot Israeli access to hydrocarbons in the Eastern Mediterranean, violates the Law of the Sea. Warning that it would block European Union backing for any Libyan peace deal as long as the Turkish-Libyan maritime agreement was in place, Greece was one of the countries Haftar visited in the days between his rejection of a ceasefire and a conference on Libya hosted by Germany that is scheduled to be held in Berlin on January 19. Haftar’s rejection came as Turkish troops arrived in Libya to bolster forces of the internationally recognised government of prime minister Fayez al-Sarraj defending the capital Tripoli against an eight-month-old assault by the field marshal’s rebel Libyan National Army (LNA) that is backed by Russian mercenaries with close ties to the Kremlin, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Prince Mohammed’s presence at the inauguration of the Egyptian naval base underlined the UAE’s influence in Egypt since it backed Al-Sisi’s 2013 military coup that toppled the country’s first and only democratically elected President and the Emirates’ determination to counter Islamist forces as well as Turkish influence in Libya and the Horn of Africa. UAE and Egyptian backing of Haftar is not just about countering jihadist and non-jihadist Islamists as well as Turkey, but also Qatar, Turkey’s ally, which also supports the Libyan rebels. The UAE-Turkish-Qatari proxy war in Libya is increasingly also coloured by Prince Mohammed and Al-Sisi’s opposition to efforts to resolve divisions among the Gulf states that spilled into the open with the declaration of a Saudi-UAE-led diplomatic and economic boycott of Qatar in 2017. Saudi Arabia has hinted in recent months that it may be amenable to an easing of the boycott, a move that is believed to be opposed by the UAE as long as Qatar does not make significant concessions on issues like freewheeling broadcaster Al Jazeera and support for political Islam. The new naval base’s location symbolizes Egypt’s conundrum that also poses a problem for the UAE at a time that Egypt is at odds with Ethiopia over the operation of a giant dam that Ethiopia is building on the Blue Nile. Stepping up involvement in Libya risks Egypt becoming embroiled in two conflicts at the same time. Egypt claims the dam puts a million Egyptian jobs, $1.8 billion in economic output annually and electricity valued at $300 million at risk. The base is aimed at "securing the country's southern coasts, protecting economic investments and natural resources and facing security threats in the Red Sea," according to a spokesman for Al-Sisi. The president has warned that Egypt would take all the necessary measures to protect its rights to the Nile waters. So far, Egypt is banking on mediation helping it avoiding being trapped between a rock and a hard place by achieving a ceasefire in Libya that would keep Egypt’s hands-free to deal with Ethiopia were a conflict to erupt. The question is whether Haftar, who without signing the ceasefire agreement reportedly told German officials that he would adhere to its terms and the UAE are willing to play ball. The proof will be in the pudding. German Chancellor Angela Merkel raised the stakes by insisting in advance of the Berlin talks that they ensure “That the weapons embargo is adhered to again.” The United Nations has accused the UAE together with several other countries, including Turkey, of violating the UN embargo. As a result, it may be the UAE rather than Haftar who has a decisive voice in Berlin. Said North Africa expert Ben Fishman: “Until Abu Dhabi pulls back its drones, operators, and other crucial military support, the prospects for Libya’s stability will remain dim. Besides the fact that they provide the greatest advantage to Haftar’s forces, focusing on the Emiratis also makes sense because the other foreign players currently have reasons to de-escalate on their own.” (Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The battle for Libya: UAE calls the shots

An airstrike Saturday by Syrian regime ally <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../russia-iran-shot-down-ukranian-passenger-plane -after-us-jets-were-seen-at-its-borders-275045">Russia</a> killed five civilians, including four members of the same family, in an opposition bastion in the country's northwest, a monitor said.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said three children were among those killed after midnight Friday in the village of Bala in the jihadist-run Idlib region.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/several-civilians-killed-as-syrian-government-presses-idlib-offensive-274750">Several civilians killed as Syrian government presses Idlib offensive</a>

"A man, his wife, and their two little girls were among those killed," said the head of the Britain-based monitoring group, Rami Abdel Rahman.

An AFP correspondent at a hospital in the area saw the bodies of two of the children wrapped up in thick winter blankets.

The strike created a massive crater of rubble near a two-storey home flanked by an empty outdoor swimming pool, the correspondent said.

A rescue worker found a stuffed toy cockerel inside the building.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/syrian-and-russian-jets-pound-idlib-province-274552/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Another first responder retrieved two slain rabbits.&nbsp;

The Observatory, which relies on sources inside Syria for its information, says it determines who carried out airstrikes according to flight patterns as well as aircraft and ammunition involved.

The Idlib region has witnessed an uptick in violence this week, as the Syrian government presses a deadly offensive despite a ceasefire arranged by its Russian ally and rebel-backer Turkey.

Home to three million people, the jihadist-run bastion is made up of a large part of the Idlib province, as well as slivers of the neighbouring Aleppo and Latakia provinces.

Idlib is run by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group dominated by Syria's former Al-Qaeda affiliate.

Fighting there since Wednesday has killed 28 civilians including eight children, according to the Observatory.

It also took the lives of 58 pro-regime fighters and 67 fighters most of them jihadists, it added.

Violence in recent weeks has prompted hundreds of thousands of civilians to flee their homes, exposing them to a harsh winter.

On Thursday, Russia denied launching any combat operations in the region since the start of a ceasefire it said went into effect on January 9. According to Turkey, the truce started on Sunday.

On Saturday, the Russian army deplored attacks led by HTS, describing them as "deliberate acts" designed to "undermine the ceasefire", according to Russian news agencies.

Turkey's President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../tayyip-erdogan-calls-on-europe-to-support- turkeys-moves-in-libya-275097">Recep Tayyip Erdogan</a> has said he would discuss the latest attacks in northwestern Syria on Sunday with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.

Syria's war has killed more than 380,000 people and displaced more than half the country's population since starting in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-government protests.

An airstrike Saturday by Syrian regime ally Russia killed five civilians, including four members of the same family, in an opposition bastion in the country's northwest, a monitor said.

An airstrike Saturday by Syrian regime ally Russia killed five civilians, including four members of the same family, in an opposition bastion in the country's northwest, a monitor said. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said three children were among those killed after midnight Friday in the village of Bala in the jihadist-run Idlib region. Also read: Several civilians killed as Syrian government presses Idlib offensive "A man, his wife, and their two little girls were among those killed," said the head of the Britain-based monitoring group, Rami Abdel Rahman. An AFP correspondent at a hospital in the area saw the bodies of two of the children wrapped up in thick winter blankets. The strike created a massive crater of rubble near a two-storey home flanked by an empty outdoor swimming pool, the correspondent said. A rescue worker found a stuffed toy cockerel inside the building. Another first responder retrieved two slain rabbits. The Observatory, which relies on sources inside Syria for its information, says it determines who carried out airstrikes according to flight patterns as well as aircraft and ammunition involved. The Idlib region has witnessed an uptick in violence this week, as the Syrian government presses a deadly offensive despite a ceasefire arranged by its Russian ally and rebel-backer Turkey. Home to three million people, the jihadist-run bastion is made up of a large part of the Idlib province, as well as slivers of the neighbouring Aleppo and Latakia provinces. Idlib is run by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group dominated by Syria's former Al-Qaeda affiliate. Fighting there since Wednesday has killed 28 civilians including eight children, according to the Observatory. It also took the lives of 58 pro-regime fighters and 67 fighters most of them jihadists, it added. Violence in recent weeks has prompted hundreds of thousands of civilians to flee their homes, exposing them to a harsh winter. On Thursday, Russia denied launching any combat operations in the region since the start of a ceasefire it said went into effect on January 9. According to Turkey, the truce started on Sunday. On Saturday, the Russian army deplored attacks led by HTS, describing them as "deliberate acts" designed to "undermine the ceasefire", according to Russian news agencies. Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said he would discuss the latest attacks in northwestern Syria on Sunday with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Syria's war has killed more than 380,000 people and displaced more than half the country's population since starting in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-government protests.

Russia strike kill five civilians in northwest Syria

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WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - January 17, 2020

Syrian teacher Ahmad al Hilal listens to his young pupils sitting on a mat reciting the Arabic alphabet in a makeshift school in a tent on the outskirts of a sprawling refugee camp city along the Turkish border.

Many ran for their lives with their mothers under <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/opinions/deportation-to-syria-could-mean-death-for-women-children-and-lgbtq-refugees-in-turkey-257678&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjOrdeC1YrnAhVfH7cAHQ5GA_EQFjAAegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0UrcWHhx6jS0dczqoN-0jD">heavy aerial bombing</a> by&nbsp;Russian jets that paralysed day-to-day life and damaged dozens of schools and hospitals.

Now, already enduring the difficult winter conditions in the camp, where many <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/families-from-mosul-find-shelter-in-syrian-refugee-camp-1110&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjOrdeC1YrnAhVfH7cAHQ5GA_EQFjAEegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2amE0fNqwAkpyJgwSOOTh9">tents get flooded</a>, the children huddle on the floor, learning how to read with scraps of paper and pencils.

"These kids suffer from illiteracy. They don't read or write. They have no one to help them," said Hilal, who teaches over 140 young Syrians in three tents scattered across several large <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/families-from-mosul-find-shelter-in-syrian-refugee-camp-1110&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjOrdeC1YrnAhVfH7cAHQ5GA_EQFjAEegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2amE0fNqwAkpyJgwSOOTh9">overcrowded camps</a> on the outskirts of the border town of Azaz.

Women and children form a majority of more than 350,000 people who have fled the renewed assault since December that has pushed deeper into Syria's opposition-run bastion in the northwest, according to the United Nations.

“We came here as refugees, there are no more schools because of the airstrikes, so we haven’t been going to school but we’re studying in the camp here," said 14-year-old pupil Khaled, who did not give a family name.

Hilal was himself uprooted from his town of Abu Dahur in Idlib province after the army, backed by pro-Iranian militias seized it.

"We bought some books and parts of the Koran and now teach them inside the camp," said Hilal, 48, who was a teacher before the conflict that began almost nine years ago.

Syrian teacher Ahmad al Hilal listens to his young pupils sitting on a mat reciting the Arabic alphabet in a makeshift school in a tent on the outskirts of a sprawling refugee camp city along the Turkish border.

Syrian teacher Ahmad al Hilal listens to his young pupils sitting on a mat reciting the Arabic alphabet in a makeshift school in a tent on the outskirts of a sprawling refugee camp city along the Turkish border. Many ran for their lives with their mothers under heavy aerial bombing by Russian jets that paralysed day-to-day life and damaged dozens of schools and hospitals. Now, already enduring the difficult winter conditions in the camp, where many tents get flooded, the children huddle on the floor, learning how to read with scraps of paper and pencils. "These kids suffer from illiteracy. They don't read or write. They have no one to help them," said Hilal, who teaches over 140 young Syrians in three tents scattered across several large overcrowded camps on the outskirts of the border town of Azaz. Women and children form a majority of more than 350,000 people who have fled the renewed assault since December that has pushed deeper into Syria's opposition-run bastion in the northwest, according to the United Nations. “We came here as refugees, there are no more schools because of the airstrikes, so we haven’t been going to school but we’re studying in the camp here," said 14-year-old pupil Khaled, who did not give a family name. Hilal was himself uprooted from his town of Abu Dahur in Idlib province after the army, backed by pro-Iranian militias seized it. "We bought some books and parts of the Koran and now teach them inside the camp," said Hilal, 48, who was a teacher before the conflict that began almost nine years ago.

Having fled bombing, Syrian children learn to read in borderland tent schools

Syrian government forces, backed by Russia, bombed Idlib city and several nearby towns on Wednesday, violating a fragile ceasefire in the country's last rebel bastion.

Syrian and Russian jets pound Idlib province

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At least 17 people were killed and more than 40 injured on after Syrian army airstrikes struck four cities in the country's northwestern region of Idlib, witnesses and a local civil defence centre said. #WION #Syria #AirStrikes

17 killed in Syria airstrikes ahead of proposed ceasefire

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

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