BICOM

Syrian and Russian aircraft have intensified attacks on the last remaining rebel hideout in northern Syria.

The Syria Civil Defence, whose rescue workers are commonly known as the White Helmets, said at least 20 civilians were killed in air strikes on Idlib on Tuesday, a day after two medical facilities were reportedly targeted by warplanes. The region is covered by a truce brokered in September by Russia, which backs Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, and Turkey, which supports the rebel opposition. It is believed that 2.7 million civilians currently live in Idlib, many displaced from other parts of the country.

UK Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said: “I am deeply concerned by the escalation in military action by Russia and the Syrian regime in Idlib. This has included horrifying reports of attacks on schools, hospitals and first responders as well as the use of barrel bombs for the first time in seven months. Over 57 civilians have been killed and over 150,000 forced from their homes in recent days.”

He added: “The latest offensive, a flagrant violation of the ceasefire agreement that Russia itself agreed with Turkey, is only compounding what was already a dire humanitarian situation in Idlib. Russia and the Assad regime must respect their obligations under the Sochi agreement and international humanitarian law. They must also remember that any future use of chemical weapons in Syria would be met with a swift and appropriate response.”

The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for all parties to recommit to the September truce. The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) said at least 27 civilians have been killed and 31 injured since April 29, including women and children.

Russia has said it wants Turkey to do more to remove jihadists fighters, once affiliated with al-Qaeda, from the area. Turkey agreed in September to disarm and remove fighters in the terrorist group Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, which recently has expanded its control over parts of Idlib.

French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted: “Syria’s humanitarian situation is critical, and no military option is acceptable. We call for an end to this violence, and support UN efforts to find a political solution.”