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Russian, Syrian Regime Forces Step Up Attacks on Rebel Stronghold Idlib

Sirwan Kajjo

   WASHINGTON - A recent military escalation by Russian and Syrian
   government forces in the rebel-held northwestern Syrian province of
   Idlib is likely to continue in the coming weeks, experts say.

   On Saturday, a series of airstrikes and barrel bombings carried out by
   Russian fighter jets and Syrian helicopters targeted several villages
   in Idlib, killing at least 18 civilians and wounding dozens of others,
   local news sources reported.

   The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a war monitor that has
   researchers across the country, said all areas targeted in the recent
   attack were largely populated by civilians.

   Rami Abdulrahman, director of the Syrian Observatory, said clear skies
   in recent days have allowed Syrian and Russian warplanes to increase
   their airstrikes on the civilian population in Idlib.

   "It seems that improving weather conditions always bring woes for Idlib
   residents," he told VOA on Sunday.

   "Russian and Syrian regime airstrikes have increased since
   mid-November," Abdulrahman added.

   He noted that, "Saturday's massacre was the biggest attack since the
   recent escalation has begun."