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| - The Russian-Turkish truce that came into effect Friday is the third ceasefire attempt in Syria's last rebel holdout of Idlib since Damascus launched a deadly offensive in April 2019. Here is a look back at the government's campaign: On April 26 and 27, 2019, Russian aircraft carry out air raids on Idlib and Hama provinces, killing around 15 civilians, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based monitor of the war. Since January 2019, the region has been dominated by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a jihadist alliance led by Syria's former Al-Qaeda affiliate. Russia says the bombardment targets "terrorists" who should have redeployed away from the front line under a 2018 deal with Turkey. On June 3, Human Rights Watch accuses the regime and Russia of using banned weapons, including cluster munitions and "barrel bombs" dropped from the air. On July 22, strikes kill around 50 civilians, most of them at a market in Maaret al-Numan, the Observatory says. In August, government forces make their first advances on the ground, seizing the key town of Khan Sheikhun. On August 31, a Russian-backed truce comes into effect. On September 10, Russia carries out fresh air strikes on jihadist targets as the truce breaks down. On December 2, bombardment by government forces kills about 13 civilians in Maaret al-Numan. From mid-December, pro-government forces intensify their bombing and make steady advances on the ground. On January 11, 2020, the day before a new Russian-backed ceasefire is due to start, government forces carry out air strikes on Idlib, killing around 18 civilians according to the Observatory. The truce fails to take hold amid intense fighting between pro-government forces and jihadists. On January 21, Russian strikes in the provinces of Idlib and Aleppo kill at least 23 civilians, including 13 children. On January 29, government forces seize Maaret al-Numan, a strategic prize on the main highway connecting the capital to the city of Aleppo. On February 3, in Turkish forces' deadliest engagement since they deployed in Syria in 2016, they exchange fire with Syrian troops, leaving more than 20 dead on both sides. The World Health Organization says the violence forced the closure of 53 medical facilities in northwestern Syria in January, warning of "critical health threats" to fleeing civilians. On February 4, US officials say they "fully support Turkey's justified self-defence actions in response" to the Syrian regime's shelling. On February 8, the Syrian army seizes the strategic crossroads town of Saraqeb. Three days later it takes control of the Damascus-Aleppo highway. On February 19, Russia objects to the UN Security Council adopting a statement calling for a ceasefire, according to diplomats. On February 27, jihadists and Turkish-backed rebels re-enter Saraqeb, reversing one of the main gains of the government's offensive. Later that day, more than 30 Turkish soldiers are killed in an air strike blamed on Damascus. On March 1, Turkey says it has launched a military offensive against Syrian regime forces in Idlib. On March 5, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan announce a ceasefire will begin at midnight. The agreement will also create a security corridor along the key M4 highway in northern Syria, where Turkish and Russian forces will launch joint patrols from March 15. The Observatory reports "relative" calm after the ceasefire comes into effect on March 6. Since December, the violence in northwestern Syria has sent more than 948,000 people fleeing their homes, according to the UN. More than 470 civilians have been killed, according to the Observatory. acm-ber-eab/lg
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