A Syrian government offensive against the Al-Qaeda stronghold of Idlib and Turkish attacks on Kurdish forces in Afrin are creating a humanitarian crisis and massive displacement. Fighting raging across northwestern Syria threatens to heighten the dire humanitarian crisis and has already displaced tens of thousands of civilians, a top UN official said on Thursday. Backed by Russia and Iran, the Syria regime has pressed an offensive against Idlib from the south and east since late last year. The province is one of the last rebel strongholds in Syria and is also host to many al-Qaida linked militants. Egeland said since mid-December almost a quarter of a million people had been displaced into or from Idlib due to fighting.

Source: Egypt Independent February 02, 2018 07:52 UTC