1. Home
  2. Asia

In the news: Idlib’s worsening warzone

Aid agencies are already talking of a ‘humanitarian catastrophe’.

Syrian boys ride on a truck with belongings. Khalil Ashawi/Reuters
Displaced Syrian boys ride on a truck with belongings in northern Idlib, Syria January 30, 2020.

Half a million people are on the move in northwestern Syria, the front line is closing on the regional capital, the border is sealed to people trying to flee, and health services are collapsing.

Eight aid agencies say Syria’s Idlib warzone is already a winter “humanitarian catastrophe”, as options shrink for temporary accomodation and camps are overflowing.

As TNH reported last month, civilians are dismantling their own homes to deny looters property they expect never to see again.

Decisions made by Turkey will be key in the coming days and weeks: Turkish forces were directly involved in recent fighting around Saraqeb, exchanging fire with Syrian government forces, according to Turkish media.

Russia says “terrorist” rebels are mounting an “aggressive” campaign. However the Syrian forces, backed by Russian air power, show little sign of slowing their offensive despite calls for restraint from the EU, the UN, and the United States.

Ben Parker

Share this article

Hundreds of thousands of readers trust The New Humanitarian each month for quality journalism that contributes to more effective, accountable, and inclusive ways to improve the lives of people affected by crises.

Our award-winning stories inform policymakers and humanitarians, demand accountability and transparency from those meant to help people in need, and provide a platform for conversation and discussion with and among affected and marginalised people.

We’re able to continue doing this thanks to the support of our donors and readers like you who believe in the power of independent journalism. These contributions help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.

Show your support as we build the future of news media by becoming a member of The New Humanitarian. 

Become a member of The New Humanitarian

Support our journalism and become more involved in our community. Help us deliver informative, accessible, independent journalism that you can trust and provides accountability to the millions of people affected by crises worldwide.

Join