UK Ambassador to the United Nations, Karen Pierce
The U.K’s. ambassador to the UN warned Friday if civilians are harmed by a military offensive in Idlib, officers and units of Bashar al-Assad's regime would be held accountable.
“We should be crystal clear about this: there are more babies in Idlib than there are terrorists, and I think that should give those engaging in military action pause for thought,” Karen Pierce told the UN Security Council.
The Assad regime recently announced plans to launch a major military offensive in the northwestern province of Idlib, which is controlled by various armed opposition groups.
Russian warplanes on Tuesday pounded civilian and opposition targets in Idlib.
UN Special Envoy to Syria Staffan de Mistura on Friday echoed remarks by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, saying the world needs to avoid a "potential catastrophe" in Syria’s northwestern Idlib province.Speaking via video conference at a meeting of the UN Security Council, De Mistura emphasized the need for civilian voices in Idlib to be heard by the international community.The Bashar al-Assad regime recently announced plans to launch a major military offensive in Idlib, which is controlled by various armed opposition groups.During his remarks to the council, the UN envoy held up a photo of a woman civilian in Idlib and noted that 98.8 percent of the population in the area are civilians.De Mistura also received a letter from 1,000 women currently in Idlib, who urged the international community to remember that they are civilians, not terrorists."They are teachers, doctors, nurses, engineers, writers and homemakers, and many of them came from many parts of Syria. So Idlib in many ways symbolizes a mosaic of Syria," de Mistura said.He went further to say that while there are different armed groups in Idlib, there needs to be a different approach in order to separate them from the rest of the population.On Friday, the leaders of Iran, Russia and Turkey met in Tehran to discuss the situation and planned offensive in Idlib by the Assad regime. De Mistura noted that Erdoğan had put a substantive number of ideas on the table, and he is looking forward to hearing more.De Mistura will meet with representatives of the three countries in Geneva next week."We want a country without war, and we want a future in which we can be alive. They too are against terrorists, but they cannot show that because the situation is very difficult," he said on behalf of the population of Idlib.Located near the Turkish border, Idlib is home to more than 3 million Syrians, many of whom fled from other cities following attacks by the regime forces.Regime trains YPG/PKK, leftist terrorists in NW SyriaTehran summit joint statement calls for political solution in SyriaErdoğan says it is important to end bombardments in Syria's Idlib, ensure cease-fireTurkish aid officials fear mass migration from IdlibAssad regime, Russia shell Syria’s Idlib
UN echoes Erdoğan, fears potential catastrophe in Idlib
Pierce named several commanders and units of Assad's forces that were said to be stationed around Idlib.
Among them were Gen. Ali Abdullah Ayyoub, the 4th Armored division led by Maher al-Assad, the Republican Guard led by Talal Makhlouf and the Tiger Forces led by Suheil al-Hassan.
Located near the Turkish border, Idlib is home to more than 3 million Syrians, many of whom fled from other cities following attacks by the regime forces.
On Tuesday, UN humanitarian chief Mark Lowcock warned that such an offensive would lead to the "worst humanitarian catastrophe in the 21st century".
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan called for a joint stance over Syria’s territorial integrity and unity, and said that he believes the results of trilateral summit in Tehran will contribute to peace in Syria.“The results of this summit are being anxiously awaited by the entire world. I believe that with the decisions we make, we will not let their expectations fall short of reality. The guarantors must send the message from this summit that they will not allow a new wave of violence or a humanitarian crisis in Syria,” Erdoğan said.The presidents of Iran, Russia and Turkey - the main outside players in Syria’s long war - were meeting in Tehran on Friday to discuss the fate of the opposition-held province of Idlib as rival factions there prepared for what could be the conflict’s last great battle.Video: Erdoğan says Turkey cannot leave Syria's Idlib to Assad’s mercyErdoğan meets Putin on sidelines of trilateral Syria summit“Idlib is critically important not just for Syria’s political future but also for our national security and the peace and stability of the region. Turkey does not want Idlib to turn into a blood bath. We expect our allies to support our efforts. We must find a reasonable solution that meets our joint concerns,” he added.The Turkish president stated that it is important to end bombardments in Idlib, and added that he believes one of most important steps of the trilateral summit would be announcing a cease-fire.Turkey agreed with Russia and Iran last year to make Idlib a “de-escalation zone” of reduced conflict and sent in army units to erect a string of observation posts along the frontlines between the opposition and the army.Turkish aid officials fear mass migration from IdlibIdlib attack will lead to massacre“Turkey has reached its refugee-hosting capacity. An attack on Idlib will result in a massacre. In an area where many factors are intertwined, an effective struggle against terrorists requires different methods that entail time and patience,” Erdoğan said.“Turkey is determined to maintain its presence in the region until Syria’s political, geographical and social integrity is truly ensured. Turkey cannot leave Idlib to the mercy of Assad regime,” he added.Turkey has 12 observation points in Syria's northwestern Idlib province in accordance with the Astana agreement.Turkish, Iranian presidents meet in Tehran“We must put forth a joint stance against all forms of terror arising from Syria, including the PYD/YPG, and initiatives that target Syria’s territorial integrity,” Erdoğan said.“Turkey is extremely disturbed by the fact that the U.S. continues to strengthen another terror group in the area even though the threat posed by Daesh no longer exists,” he added.Putin calls for UN-monitored constitutional committeeRussian President Vladimir Putin in his turn called for a UN-monitored constitutional committee to be established for Syria.“A political solution in Syria must be promoted by successfully implementing agreements,” Putin added.Assad regime, Russia shell Syria’s IdlibU.S. must leave Syria if peace is to prevail“Civilians should not be harmed in the fight in Idlib. All three countries should respect Syria’s territorial integrity to ensure that Syria finds peace. The U.S. must leave Syria for the country to be secure. The cooperation of these three countries must be respected for the Syria crisis to be resolved and for peace to prevail in the country,” Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said.The first tripartite summit regarding Syria was held in Russia’s Black Sea resort of Sochi on Nov. 22, 2017 to discuss progress made in the Astana peace talks and changes in de-escalation zones across Syria.The second trilateral meeting was hosted by Erdoğan in April in the Turkish capital Ankara.Video: Turkish, Russian, Iranian presidents meet in Tehran‘Assad tries to sabotage Tehran summit with help of US’Syria's Idlib residents concerned about new attacksChemical weapons 'being prepared' in Syria: US envoy
Erdoğan says it is important to end bombardments in Syria's Idlib, ensure cease-fire
Turkish aid officials have warned of a fresh wave of mass migration in case of any possible offensive in Syria’s Idlib.“Migration would increase dramatically […],” Turkish Red Crescent head Kerem Kınık said.“We took our measures; to buffer this possible migration wave in Syria, to meet human needs, health, protection and housing needs," he added."We even don’t want to think about here (Idlib). There is no place for this migration wave if there are massacres and civilian movements like the ones happened in Eastern Ghouta, Aleppo, Daraa and Hama," Kinik added."Idlib is now the largest province in Syria. It had 150,000 population in 2011 but now it holds 3.5 million people. We hope there is no attack on civilians,” he said.Idlib offensive could trigger new wave of migration to Europe, TurkeyUN aid chief fears worst humanitarian crisis in IdlibKınık, who is also the vice president responsible for the European region of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), said: “No matter who they are, we are standing with the oppressed people and no matter who the oppressors are we are standing against them.”Meanwhile, a board member of the Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH), an Istanbul-based aid agency, also warned of high casualties in case of an attack on Idlib.“In case of a possible attack on Idlib, the number of people to be killed due to the density of people will be much higher than before,” Izzet Sahin told Anadolu Agency."If this worst scenario happens those people who are dependent on humanitarian assistance from Turkey for their daily life will no longer be able to get help. They could face death and hunger. There will be a huge and dramatic migration movement,” he added.Video: Brush, cut and braid: Turkey gives hair makeover to over 500 Syrian orphans
Turkish aid officials fear mass migration from Idlib
The Syrian regime and Russia on Friday shelled parts of the Idlib region in northwest Syria, the country's last major opposition stronghold.According to preliminary reports, two Assad regime warplanes and three Russian jets conducted airstrikes in Idlib’s Kafr, Zeyte, Hobait and Abdin regions.At least 10 civilians were killed and 20 wounded in the west and south-west of Idlib during the last three days by Russian warplanes. Russian, Turkish and Iranian leaders met on Friday in Iran’s Tehran and to discuss the situation in northwestern Syria.Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan called for a joint stance over Syria’s territorial integrity and unity, and said that he believes the results of trilateral summit in Tehran will contribute to peace in Syria.Erdoğan says Idlib assault would be ‘a grave massacre’Turkey’s Erdoğan arrives in Tehran for trilateral summit‘Assad tries to sabotage Tehran summit with help of US’
Assad regime, Russia shell Syria’s Idlib
Millions of residents in Syria's northwestern Idlib province, the final stronghold of Syrian oppositions, are concerned about Bashar al-Assad's possible attack on the city.The expected ground attack is feared to trigger a mass exodus of refugees fleeing towards the Turkish border and European countries.The following is a list of frequently asked questions regarding the ongoing calamity in Idlib:Erdoğan says Idlib assault would be ‘a grave massacre’Where is Idlib?Located near the Turkish border city of Hatay, Syria's northwestern Idlib province is home to more than 3 million Syrians, many of whom fled from other cities following attacks by regime forces.Idlib shares 130 kilometers (82 miles) borderline with Turkey and is bordered by Syrian province of Aleppo to the east; Aleppo's Afrin district to the northeast; Hama province to the south and Lattakia province to the northwest.The rebel-controlled town has been under heavy air bombardment since October 2015 when Russia began to actively take part in the civil war.How many civilians are living in Idlib?Idlib has been hosting the highest number of refugees, roughly 1.3 million, as it is a city bordering Turkey and is relatively safe since the beginning of the war. Along with 2.4 million permanent residents, administrative records show that Idlib currently houses nearly 4 million civilians within its borders.After attacks by the Assad regime and the forced migration, the population in the city has increased to nearly 4 million, including 2.4 million residents.Could a large migration wave occur?It is feared that a possible military campaign towards Idlib might trigger a wave of migration containing hundreds of thousands of people. Turkey, the EU and United Nations have announced in statements that a possible operation on Idlib might give birth to a fresh rush of migration.In addition, Stephane Dujarric, the UN Secretary-General's spokesman, Wednesday said: "All parties are responsible for the protection of the civilians, under the international laws. I hope everything will be done to prevent a greater humanitarian plight."4- Where does the Assad regime prepare?With the aim of seizing the Idlib region, the regime has been sending military equipment to the frontlines near rural Latakia and northern Hama for more than two months. The Assad regime maintains the preparations, which has paced up recently, in Abu al-Duhur Airport, Skayiybiye of northern Hama, Silimfe regions in Latakia and line extending to Idlib.5- What does Idlib mean for Syria?Idlib, addressed as the "deadlock" of the civil war that has been ongoing for more than seven years, has importance in various aspects as a result of its location.The M5 highway, which goes through the city, connects Turkey, Syria and Jordan. As for the Syria perspective, Idlib is like a door that opens to Mediterranean whilst neighboring Latakia, Hama and Aleppo. Given that it is right next to Latakia, where Russia's Khmeimim Air Base is located and which is regarded as the "fortress" of Assad regime, contributes to Idlib's strategic value.Roughly 1,500 trucks carrying humanitarian aid per month crosses Bab al-Hawa Border Crossing in Idlib, making the city a key factor for war-weary civilians desperate for help. Besides, some 4,500 commercial trucks pass by the border crossing.6- Why is Idlib important for Turkey's border security?Idlib shares a borderline of some 130 kilometers with Turkey. Turkey is most worried that a conflict leads to a new wave of migration. Turkey currently hosts more than 3.5 million Syrians and works for a cease-fire maintenance in Idlib.On the other hand, the Turkish Armed Forces have established 12 observation points within Idlib's de-escalation zones boundary, adding to the cities' significance. The fact that there are various armed groups in Idlib and they might try to infiltrate into Turkey in case of an operation should be kept in mind.7- What does Turkey do in Idlib?Following a consensus reached within the frame of the Astana Agreement, Turkey, in October 2017, entered Idlib to establish the cease-fire observation points within the boundary of the de-escalation zone areas.As part of the deal, Turkish troops have presence only in the observation points of Idlib.8- What is the Turkish impact on the solution?As the civil war has been continuing for more than seven years, Turkey has been one of the most important peace actors. Sharing more than 900 kilometers of borders, Turkish influence on the region increases. Turkey still defends that the issue should be tackled through negotiation, as it said the same before the public demands were repressed violently by the Assad regime.It has been stated that a solution excluding Turkey, which protects the life and property safety of the civilians and support the legitimate opposition both on field and diplomacy, will lead to a regional disaster.With its stance on the solution, Turkey plays an effective role in eradicating the terror groups in Syria and represents the democratic and safety rights of the millions of Syrians, who are anticipated to continue living in Syria.Turkey supports that the opposition and regime find a common political point.9- Which groups are dominant in Idlib?Idlib is currently divided between the opposition and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, an armed anti-regime group. In May, 14 opposition groups fighting against the Assad regime united under the banner of "National Liberation Front". Faylaq al-Sham, Nasr Army, Free Idlib Army, 1st Beach Division, 2nd Beach Division, 1st Firqah, Distinguished Army, Shuda al-Islam Dareyya, Al-Hurriyah Brigade, 23rd Firqah, Syrian Liberation Front, Jaish al-Ahrar and Shukuru Sham have formed the largest military establishment against the regime, containing more than 70 thousand fighters.Hayat Tahrir al-Sham is the other dominant force in Idlib.After the Nusra Front, which was on the UN terrorism list, dissolved in early 2017, some 25,000 fighters formed Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. Despite that many of its components left the group, it still controls Bab al-Hawa Border Crossing.A couple of other Nusra Front members formed another group called Hurra Seddin. According to Russians, terror groups are dominant in the region, however, the field reports tell the opposite.Idlib is of huge importance as it is the only city under opposition control in Syria. As for the strategic window, it neighbors Turkey in northwest and is next to Aleppo in south, Aleppo's Afrin district in northeast, Hama in south and Latakia in northwest.For the Syrian opposition, it is like a "last castle". Also, the biggest armed groups fighting against the Assad regime are located in Idlib.10- What is the international actors' position on Idlib?Some western countries, headed by the U.S., France and the U.K for the past weeks, exchanged words with Russia on the Idlib issue.These three countries, in a joint statement on Aug. 21, said that they were "gravely concerned over reports of a military offensive by the Syrian regime against civilians and civilian infrastructure in Idlib." All of them reiterated condemnation of the use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime.John Bolton, Assistant to U.S. President Donald Trump for National Security Affairs, also warned that they would "strongly" respond if the regime used chemical or biological weapons in Idlib.On top of that, Russian media claimed the military opposition and White Helmet (Civil Defense) would collaborate with Western countries to perform a chemical attack.The Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said the U.S. planned for a provocation in Idlib to "protect the Nusra Front and assure the permanency of the turbulent situation in the region."The Russian administration, making consecutive statements regarding Idlib, increased its military presence in the Mediterranean. Having sent warships to Latakia and Tartus, Russia will launch a drill in the Mediterranean expected to be the biggest of the modern history, which is viewed as an intimidation to the U.S. block.As the crisis escalates, concerns rise on the safety of the civilians in the region.The Syrian regime has recently announced plans to launch a major military offensive to the area, which is controlled by various armed opposition groups.On Tuesday, the UN’s humanitarian chief Mark Lowcock warned such an offensive would lead to the "worst humanitarian catastrophe in the 21st century".Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani are scheduled to meet in Tehran on Friday for a trilateral summit on Syria.Iran speaker hopes agreement on Idlib will be clinched at Tehran summitOver 8,000 PKK terrorists to join Idlib offensive: FSA commanderTurkey condemned Russia's Idlib attack: FMIdlib offensive could trigger new wave of migration to Europe, Turkey US takes advantage of Idlib crisis to increase support for PKK/YPG in SyriaAssad regime shells Syria's Idlib
Syria's Idlib residents concerned about new attacks