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:

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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

Violence In Syria's Idlib Region, Children Caught Up In The Fighting

Gravitas: Airstrikes in Syria kill 100, Children Caught up in the Fighting

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/15-killed-in-airstrikes-in-northwest-syria-265777">Air strikes </a>killed 19 civilians Monday in Syria's last major opposition bastion, the site of the deadliest clashes between regime forces and armed groups since an August ceasefire came into force, a monitoring group said.

More than 100 kilometres (60 miles) to the north, a separate <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eight-children-among-nine-killed-in-turkish-shelling-on-north-syria-monitor-265784">Turkish artillery attack </a>on a Kurdish-held city in Aleppo province killed 11 civilians, including eight children, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.&nbsp;

Syria's bloody eight-year-long conflict has killed more than 370,000 people and displaced millions since it started in 2011.

It continues to claim scores of civilian lives, especially in areas outside government control.

In the province of Idlib, largely under the control of a group dominated by a former Al-Qaeda affiliate, regime air raids killed 13 civilians in a market in the town of Maaret al-Numan, the Britain-based Observatory said.&nbsp;

An AFP correspondent saw rescue workers carry a wounded man away on a stretcher while a body lay motionless amid spilt oranges and bags of onions.

Maher Mohammed, 35, a vendor in the market, said it was the most frightening bombardment he had witnessed in years.

"We ran inside the shops and threw ourselves on the ground," the father of five told AFP.

"They bombarded half the market. Our neighbours were killed," as were two women in a car who had come to do some shopping, he said.

The Observatory said six others died in Russian and regime bombardment in other parts of the province, including a woman and her two children in a Russian strike on an Idlib prison.

Fighting rages&nbsp;

On the southeastern edge of the region, regime forces and armed groups were locked in heavy clashes, with almost 100 fighters killed in two days, according to the war monitor.

The battles on the fringes of Idlib since Saturday are the most deadly since a Russia-brokered ceasefire went into effect in late August, it said.

Fifty-four regime fighters had been killed, while 47 of their foes including 33 jihadists had also lost their lives since Saturday, the Observatory said.

President Bashar al-Assad has long maintained that his government will eventually reimpose its control over the northwestern region on the border with Turkey.

During a meeting on Monday with Russia's special envoy for Syria, Alexander Lavrentiev, Assad agreed to "continue the fight against terrorism" so that Idlib would not become "a permanent haven for terrorists," the presidency said.

The late August ceasefire came months into a devastating Russia-backed regime offensive that killed around 1,000 civilians and ousted hundreds of thousands from their homes.

But sporadic clashes and deadly Russian and regime bombardment on the jihadist-held bastion have continued, with 179 civilians including 45 children killed during that time.

Turkish attack&nbsp;

In the strategic city of Tal Rifaat, controlled by local Kurdish fighters, a Turkish artillery attack hit near a school as students were leaving the building.

Most of the 11 civilians killed in the shelling had been displaced from the Afrin region captured last year by Turkish troops and their Syrian proxies, Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman said.

Footage released by Kurdish-run media purported to show bloody and bandaged young men being carried into a crowded medical facility after the attack.

Wrapped in thick wool blankets, the corpses of the deceased were lined up on the floor of an empty room in the same facility, in the footage.

Outside, relatives broke-down crying.

Tal Rifaat, a strategic town 20 kilometres (12 miles) south of Turkey's frontier, is the site of regular confrontations between Turkish-backed forces and Kurdish fighters.&nbsp;

Turkey threatened to launch a cross-border offensive to capture Tal Rifaat last year after taking Afrin from the US-backed People's Protection Units (YPG) militia.

But Russia intervened to stop the planned offensive.

In October, it said it agreed to work with Turkey to remove all YPG militia "elements and their weapons" from Tal Rifaat.&nbsp;

But in early November, Turkish President Reep Tayyip Erdogan said Kurdish "terror groups" had still not left.

Tal Rifaat is held by local Kurdish fighters displaced from Afrin, the Observatory head said, adding that Russian forces and regime troops are also currently deployed inside the town.

Turkey in October launched a cross-border operation south of its frontier against Syrian Kurdish forces.

In the two months since the operation began, it has established a so-called "safe zone" in a 120-kilometre-long strip along the border, where it says it wants to resettle Syrian refugees.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Air strikes killed 19 civilians Monday in Syria's last major opposition bastion, the site of the deadliest clashes between regime forces and armed groups since an August ceasefire came into force, a monitoring group said.

Air strikes killed 19 civilians Monday in Syria's last major opposition bastion, the site of the deadliest clashes between regime forces and armed groups since an August ceasefire came into force, a monitoring group said. More than 100 kilometres (60 miles) to the north, a separate Turkish artillery attack on a Kurdish-held city in Aleppo province killed 11 civilians, including eight children, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. Syria's bloody eight-year-long conflict has killed more than 370,000 people and displaced millions since it started in 2011. It continues to claim scores of civilian lives, especially in areas outside government control. In the province of Idlib, largely under the control of a group dominated by a former Al-Qaeda affiliate, regime air raids killed 13 civilians in a market in the town of Maaret al-Numan, the Britain-based Observatory said. An AFP correspondent saw rescue workers carry a wounded man away on a stretcher while a body lay motionless amid spilt oranges and bags of onions. Maher Mohammed, 35, a vendor in the market, said it was the most frightening bombardment he had witnessed in years. "We ran inside the shops and threw ourselves on the ground," the father of five told AFP. "They bombarded half the market. Our neighbours were killed," as were two women in a car who had come to do some shopping, he said. The Observatory said six others died in Russian and regime bombardment in other parts of the province, including a woman and her two children in a Russian strike on an Idlib prison. Fighting rages On the southeastern edge of the region, regime forces and armed groups were locked in heavy clashes, with almost 100 fighters killed in two days, according to the war monitor. The battles on the fringes of Idlib since Saturday are the most deadly since a Russia-brokered ceasefire went into effect in late August, it said. Fifty-four regime fighters had been killed, while 47 of their foes including 33 jihadists had also lost their lives since Saturday, the Observatory said. President Bashar al-Assad has long maintained that his government will eventually reimpose its control over the northwestern region on the border with Turkey. During a meeting on Monday with Russia's special envoy for Syria, Alexander Lavrentiev, Assad agreed to "continue the fight against terrorism" so that Idlib would not become "a permanent haven for terrorists," the presidency said. The late August ceasefire came months into a devastating Russia-backed regime offensive that killed around 1,000 civilians and ousted hundreds of thousands from their homes. But sporadic clashes and deadly Russian and regime bombardment on the jihadist-held bastion have continued, with 179 civilians including 45 children killed during that time. Turkish attack In the strategic city of Tal Rifaat, controlled by local Kurdish fighters, a Turkish artillery attack hit near a school as students were leaving the building. Most of the 11 civilians killed in the shelling had been displaced from the Afrin region captured last year by Turkish troops and their Syrian proxies, Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman said. Footage released by Kurdish-run media purported to show bloody and bandaged young men being carried into a crowded medical facility after the attack. Wrapped in thick wool blankets, the corpses of the deceased were lined up on the floor of an empty room in the same facility, in the footage. Outside, relatives broke-down crying. Tal Rifaat, a strategic town 20 kilometres (12 miles) south of Turkey's frontier, is the site of regular confrontations between Turkish-backed forces and Kurdish fighters. Turkey threatened to launch a cross-border offensive to capture Tal Rifaat last year after taking Afrin from the US-backed People's Protection Units (YPG) militia. But Russia intervened to stop the planned offensive. In October, it said it agreed to work with Turkey to remove all YPG militia "elements and their weapons" from Tal Rifaat. But in early November, Turkish President Reep Tayyip Erdogan said Kurdish "terror groups" had still not left. Tal Rifaat is held by local Kurdish fighters displaced from Afrin, the Observatory head said, adding that Russian forces and regime troops are also currently deployed inside the town. Turkey in October launched a cross-border operation south of its frontier against Syrian Kurdish forces. In the two months since the operation began, it has established a so-called "safe zone" in a 120-kilometre-long strip along the border, where it says it wants to resettle Syrian refugees.

Thirty killed across Syria as violence rages

Eight children were among nine people killed Monday in a Turkish artillery attack that hit near a school in a northern Syrian town, a Britain-based war monitor said.

Those killed in the attack on Kurdish-held Tal Rifaat were all displaced from the Afrin region which was captured last year by Turkish troops and their Syrian proxies, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

Eight children were among nine people killed Monday in a Turkish artillery attack that hit near a school in a northern Syrian town, a Britain-based war monitor said.

Eight children were among nine people killed Monday in a Turkish artillery attack that hit near a school in a northern Syrian town, a Britain-based war monitor said. Those killed in the attack on Kurdish-held Tal Rifaat were all displaced from the Afrin region which was captured last year by Turkish troops and their Syrian proxies, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

Eight children among nine killed in Turkish shelling on north Syria: Monitor

Airstrikes killed 15 civilians Monday in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-in-syrias-idlib-touches-100-sources-265723">Syria's last major</a> opposition bastion where deadly clashes between regime forces and armed groups have escalated in recent days, a monitoring group said.

The Idlib region -&nbsp;home to around three million people including many displaced by Syria's eight-year civil war -- is largely under the control of a group dominated by a former Al-Qaeda affiliate.

Air raids by President Bashar al-Assad's regime killed 13 civilians in a market in the Idlib town of Maaret al-Numan, said the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

An AFP correspondent saw rescue workers carry a wounded man away on a stretcher while a body lay motionless amid spilt oranges and bags of onions.

Maher Mohammed, 35, a vendor in the market, said it was the most frightening bombardment he had witnessed in years.

"We ran inside the shops and threw ourselves on the ground," the father of five told AFP.

"They bombarded half the market. Our neighbours were killed," as were two women in a car who had come to do some shopping, he said.

The Observatory said two others died in Russian and regime bombardment in other parts of the province.

Regime forces and armed groups were locked in heavy clashes on the southeastern edge of the region, with almost 100 fighters killed in two days, the Britain-based monitor said.

The battles on the edge of Idlib since Saturday are the most deadly since a Russia-brokered ceasefire went into effect in late August, it said.

"Fighting raged at dawn Monday on several axes in the southeastern Idlib countryside," the monitoring group said.

Fifty-four regime fighters had been killed, while 47 of their opponents including 33 jihadists had also lost their lives since Saturday, the Observatory said.

The Syrian government does not usually divulge casualty figures.

The Idlib region is one of the last holdouts of opposition groups to the forces backing Assad.

The president has long maintained that his government will eventually reimpose its control over the northwestern region on the border with Turkey.

The late August ceasefire came months into a devastating Russia-backed regime offensive that killed around 1,000 civilians and ousted hundreds of thousands from their homes.

But sporadic clashes and deadly Russian and regime bombardment on the jihadist-held bastion have continued, with 179 civilians including 45 children killed during that time.

The war in Syria has killed more than 370,000 people and displaced millions since it erupted in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-government protests. 
&nbsp;

Airstrikes killed 15 civilians Monday in Syria's last major opposition bastion where deadly clashes between regime forces and armed groups have escalated in recent days, a monitoring group said.

Airstrikes killed 15 civilians Monday in Syria's last major opposition bastion where deadly clashes between regime forces and armed groups have escalated in recent days, a monitoring group said. The Idlib region - home to around three million people including many displaced by Syria's eight-year civil war -- is largely under the control of a group dominated by a former Al-Qaeda affiliate. Air raids by President Bashar al-Assad's regime killed 13 civilians in a market in the Idlib town of Maaret al-Numan, said the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. An AFP correspondent saw rescue workers carry a wounded man away on a stretcher while a body lay motionless amid spilt oranges and bags of onions. Maher Mohammed, 35, a vendor in the market, said it was the most frightening bombardment he had witnessed in years. "We ran inside the shops and threw ourselves on the ground," the father of five told AFP. "They bombarded half the market. Our neighbours were killed," as were two women in a car who had come to do some shopping, he said. The Observatory said two others died in Russian and regime bombardment in other parts of the province. Regime forces and armed groups were locked in heavy clashes on the southeastern edge of the region, with almost 100 fighters killed in two days, the Britain-based monitor said. The battles on the edge of Idlib since Saturday are the most deadly since a Russia-brokered ceasefire went into effect in late August, it said. "Fighting raged at dawn Monday on several axes in the southeastern Idlib countryside," the monitoring group said. Fifty-four regime fighters had been killed, while 47 of their opponents including 33 jihadists had also lost their lives since Saturday, the Observatory said. The Syrian government does not usually divulge casualty figures. The Idlib region is one of the last holdouts of opposition groups to the forces backing Assad. The president has long maintained that his government will eventually reimpose its control over the northwestern region on the border with Turkey. The late August ceasefire came months into a devastating Russia-backed regime offensive that killed around 1,000 civilians and ousted hundreds of thousands from their homes. But sporadic clashes and deadly Russian and regime bombardment on the jihadist-held bastion have continued, with 179 civilians including 45 children killed during that time. The war in Syria has killed more than 370,000 people and displaced millions since it erupted in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-government protests.

15 killed in airstrikes in northwest Syria

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