Syria: Protests break out in Idlib amid airstrikes on rebel-held areas Sep. 7 /update 3

Event

Hundreds of people staged protests in the city of Idlib on Friday, September 7, as Syrian-government and Russian airstrikes hit rebel-held areas of Idlib and Hama provinces. Protesters reportedly gathered to call on Turkey to prevent an expected Syrian government offensive on Idlib province and denounce the results of a trilateral summit on Friday between Iran, Russia, and Turkey, in which the powers could not agree to a ceasefire which would deter the offensive.

As of Friday, it had not been reported when the expected offensive will be launched; nevertheless, an escalating bombing campaign is expected to target Idlib province in the coming days.

Context

According to local sources, the impending assault led by government forces would first target southern and western parts of opposition-controlled areas in northwestern Syria, including Jisr Al-Shughur and the Al-Ghab plain in the western reaches of opposition-held territory as well as the towns of Al-Latamenah, Khan Shaykhun, and Ma'arat Al-Nu'man in the southern part of rebel-held territory, before government forces would attempt to strike and advance on Idlib city.

The UN along with several other countries have warned that a full-scale offensive on Idlib province could result in a humanitarian crisis. An estimated 3 million people live in the area, half of which are reportedly displaced from other areas affected by the ongoing conflict in Syria.

Advice

Due to extremely poor security conditions, Western governments generally advise against all travel to Syria, with some banning travel to the country. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to any travel to Syria.