Russia Rebel offensive in Syria: Death toll rises

According to activists, the death toll from fighting between Islamist rebels and government troops in north-western Syria has risen to more than 130.

According to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, almost 50 soldiers of President Bashar al-Assad's government have been killed so far. The remaining dead are believed to be insurgents.

Control of important supply routes is at stake

According to human rights activists, an alliance of Islamist rebels conquered several villages near Idlib and Aleppo this week. The aim is to control important supply routes. According to the activists, Russian fighter jets are supporting the Syrian army with several airstrikes.

According to the state news agency Sana, the Syrian armed forces announced that terrorists had launched a heavy offensive on military posts in several villages and towns. This was a "blatant violation of the de-escalation agreement".

A devastating civil war broke out in Syria in 2011. Today, the country is divided. With the help of his allies Russia and Iran, ruler Al-Assad now controls two thirds of the country again. The north-west is partly under the control of opposition forces. A political solution to the conflict is not in sight.

SDA