Russian and Syrian jets pound Idlib province after summit

[Devil Child]

Source: Reuters

Russian and Syrian warplanes pounded towns in Syria’s opposition-held Idlib province on Saturday, a day after a summit of the presidents of Turkey, Iran and Russia failed to agree on a ceasefire that would forestall a Russian-backed offensive.

Idlib is Syria’s last major stronghold of active opposition to the rule of President Bashar al-Assad.

At least a dozen air strikes hit a string of villages and towns in southern Idlib and the town of Latamneh and Kafr Zeita in northern Hama where rebels are still in control, witnesses and rescuers said.

Syrian helicopters dropped so-called barrel bombs — containers filled with explosive material — on homes on the outskirts of the city of Khan Sheikhoun in southern Idlib, two residents said.


Read more: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-syria-idlib/russian-and-syrian-jets-pound-idlib-province-after-summit-idUSKCN1LO0EO

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The last major offensive of the Syrian Civil War appears to be starting.

[Devil Child]

1. Syrian rebels in Idlib target those who might surrender as government assault looms

In the northern Syrian town of Harem, militants last week erected a gallows in a public square, saying it was for “frogs,” or traitors.

The town in Idlib province lies within the final enclave controlled by rebels opposed to ­Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. As government forces mass for what could be a climactic assault there in coming weeks, opposition fighters linked to al-Qaeda are seeking to head off the kind of negotiated surrender that has sealed the fate of other opposition areas.

The gallows, which the militants publicized on their official news website, was “set up to intimidate the traitors that worked on reconciliation agreements to the regime, so that they know that in the end their fate is death,” said an activist in the town, speaking on the condition of anonymity to avoid retaliation. “The purpose of its construction is to strike fear.”

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/syrian-rebels-in-idlib-target-those-who-might-surrender-as-government-assault-looms/2018/09/07/1ba47e00-b07c-11e8-8b53-50116768e499_story.html?utm_term=.affee923a37c

Can't wait to see these "freedom fighters" eradicated.