Migration is at its Highest Level in Syria, What are the Latest Developments in Idlib?

* Photo: Anadolu Agency (AA)

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In his daily press briefing yesterday (February 11), Stéphane Dujarric, the Spokesperson for the Secretary General of the United Nations (UN), has shared the latest figures on the number of people who have been displaced in Syria's Idlib and its surrounding area.

"Since December, nearly 700,000 people have been forcibly displaced in Idlib and surrounding areas in the north-west of Syria, most of these are women and children", Dujarric has informed and underlined that according to their initial analysis, "this is the largest number of people displaced in a single period since the Syrian crisis began almost nine years ago."

"Most civilians attempting to get out of harm's way are settling in already overcrowded areas near the Syria-Turkey border", he has added.

'Temperature has dipped to -11 degrees'

Spokesperson has also shared the following information about the latest humanitarian situation in Idlib and its surrounding area:

"Many families are reportedly seeking shelter in makeshift camps and unfinished buildings. The temperature in some parts of Idlib has now dipped to −11 degrees Centigrade, making living conditions for people in camps and unfinished structures even more unbearable. Several more hospitals and health-care centres across Idlib and Aleppo governorates have reportedly shut, suspended or reduced operations due to hostilities.

"Schools in Idlib and the countryside have also reportedly been closed, until further notice, and that's impacting 160,000 students in 278 schools."

Civil war in figures

Since civil war broke out in Syria, at least 5.6 million people have become refugees and 6 million 100 thousand people have been internally displaced. (Data shared in March 2018. These figures have increased by at least 700 thousand since then.)

At least 13 million people, including 6 million children, are in need of humanitarian aid.

Over half of hospitals, medical clinics and private health institutions are either not operating or severely damaged.

Latest developments in Idlib

Following the attacks that claimed the lives of Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) soldiers in Idlib, the tension has been rising in the region.

CLICK - Importance of Idlib

What does the US say?

United States (US) Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has made a statement regarding the latest developments and escalating tension in Syria's Idlib.

Sharing a brief message on Twitter yesterday (February 11), Pompeo announced that he sent "Jim Jeffrey to Ankara to coordinate the steps to respond to the destabilizing attack" of the Syrian Army.

"The ongoing assaults by the Assad regime and Russia must stop", Pompeo has warned and said, "We stand by our NATO Ally Turkey."

Pompeo shared the following message on Twitter:

My condolences to the families of the soldiers killed in yesterday's attack in Idlib. The ongoing assaults by the Assad regime and Russia must stop. I've sent Jim Jeffrey to Ankara to coordinate steps to respond to this destabilizing attack. We stand by our NATO Ally #Turkey.
— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) February 11, 2020

What does Syria say?

The General Command of the Army and Armed Forces of Syria has also released a statement amid rising tensions in Idlib province.

As reported by Syria's state-run Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), the statement of the General Command has said, "Turkish attacks will not succeed in dissuading the army from continuing its operations in Idlib province and in the west of Aleppo to cleanse them of terrorism in all its forms and to restore security and stability to all areas across Syria."

Erdoğan: We will hit regime forces anywhere

Discussing the latest situation in Idlib with President of Russia Vladimir Putin in a phone call, President and ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) Chair Recep Tayyip Erdoğan spoke at the group meeting of his party today.

"If our soldiers are harmed in any way, whether they are at the observation points or somewhere else, as of today I am declaring that we will not be limited to just Idlib or Sochi borders, we will target regime forces everywhere and anywhere", Erdoğan said in his speech.

He also added that "Turkey is determined to push back Syrian regime forces from Turkey's observation posts in Idlib by the end of February."

To push back the Syrian forces, Turkey "will do what is necessary via land and air without hesitation", Erdoğan indicated further.

About Idlib

Located 60 km away from Aleppo, Idlib is the center of the administration region whose name is also Idlib. Situated at Syria's northwest and south Afrin, Idlib is neighbor to Hatay province.

Ebla ancient city, which was an important center at the end of B.C. 3 thousand and B.C. 1800-1650, is also within the city territory.

Idlib's current population is estimated 3 million.

(PT/SD)