Opposition forces thwart regime attack south of Idlib

(Zaman Al Wasl)- Syrian regime forces on Sunday have launched an attack on the southern region of Idlib province in a renewed breach to the three-week-old ceasefire.

The Russian-led forces used the heavy artillery and mortar round in the attack on al-Ftira and Sfuhon villages south of Idlib city.

The Turkish-backed Syrian forces have thwarted the attack and destroyed a tank, rebel source said.

Meanwhile, the Turkish army has constructed a new outpost as more military reinforcement keep pouring into the last rebel stronghold in northern Syria, according to activists.

The observation point set in the village of al-Mshayrfa on the M4 highway that links Jisr al-Shughour with Bashar al-Assad's hometown of Latakia.

Turkey, which backs rebels opposed to Bashar al-Assad, agreed a ceasefire with Russia two weeks ago after months of fighting displaced nearly 1 million people in Idlib. Moscow supports Syrian regime forces.

The truce halted a terrifying three-month air and ground campaign that killed hundreds and sent 1 million people fleeing toward the Turkish border.

The agreement did not force the Assad forces to roll back significant military gains made in Russian-backed offensive for the past three months — a key Turkish demand prior to the talks.

Last Friday, the Turkish Defense Ministry assured in statement that planned deployment and distribution of troops in Idlib is continuing, and there are no withdrawals of troops from the region.

To stop the bloodshed and humanitarian crisis, and ensure security of troops as well as safe return of civilians to their homes, all decisions taken under the Moscow deal are being implemented with utmost care, according to Anadolu Agency.

The regime offensive in Idlib province and parts of Aleppo has displaced more than 1,041000 people from their homes and killed 700 people, including 91 women, 212 children and 17 rescue workers, over the past three months, he Syrian Response Coordination Group said.

According to the local monitor, Russia and regime airstrikes have targeted 20 refugee shelters, 88 educational facilities, 9 centers for Civil Defense agency, 32 health centers, 8 ambulances, 14 furnaces and a bakery, 31 worship, and 23 various facilities such as water and power plants.

The nine-year-old war has claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands and forced 13 million people from their homes, half of whom have left their shattered homeland.

Zaman A Wasl