Fighting in northwestern Syria, centering on al-Qaeda-held Idlib
Province, is growing substantially. Syrian airstrikes and artillery fire
pounded the area, with the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reporting at least 18 civilians killed in the area.
The largest incident took place in Ariha, in Idlib Province, where 10
civilians, including four children, were reported killed. Dozens of
other civilians were reported wounded in the strikes as well.
This has been a recurring problem wherever fighting has turned in Syria,
because it often involves contesting populated areas. This was an even
bigger concern in Idlib, where a lot of civilians have been relocated
from previous fighting.
Ceasefires and buffer zones were intended to prevent fighting over Idlib
as long as possible, but with al-Qaeda in control of the area, and
pushing against government-controlled Hama Province, inevitably leading
to a counter-offensive.
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