Syrian Civilians Begin Fleeing En Masse Ahead Of Anticipated Idlib Offensive

Hundreds of Syrian civilians are fleeing Idlib Province ahead of an anticipated regime offensive to retake the last major rebel-held bastion in the country. Forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad have been massing around the northwestern territory, and Russian warplanes carried out their first strikes in the region in weeks. About sixty percent of Idlib is controlled by the Al-Qa’ida-linked Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, whereas the Turkish-backed “National Army” dominates most of the remaining areas. United Nations special envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura last week urged the international community to intervene to prevent a “bloodbath” in Idlib that could displace up to 800,000 people. This would create yet another humanitarian disaster and possibly force Turkey—which is already home to some 3.5 million displaced Syrians—to increase its military activities to defend against an influx of refugees. The presidents of Russia, Turkey and Iran are slated to meet Friday in Tehran to discuss potential alternatives to de Mistura’s forewarning.