Syrian forces shell rebel positions in Idlib province

Russian jets and Syrian artillery pounded towns and villages in Idlib province on Thursday, during a renewed assault on rebel held positions. Footage showed Syrian army artillery and Russian jets shelling opposition targets in the eastern suburbs of the province. Around 350,000 Syrians have fled the offensive since early December, and have sought shelter in border areas near Turkey, the United Nations said on Thursday.

Conditions for people were deteriorating because of the increased hostilities, the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said in its latest situation report.  Russia's Ministry of Defence on Thursday denied media reports that it had bombed civilian targets in Idlib province, saying there had been no military flights since a ceasefire was introduced on Jan. 9.