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| - With support from its ally Moscow, Damascus has waged an intensifying campaign against the country's last rebel holdout Idlib that has triggered a deepening humanitarian crisis and intensifying clashes with Ankara. Here is a look back at the offensive: On April 26 and 27, 2019, Russian aircraft carry out air raids on Idlib and neighbouring 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 agreement with Turkey. On June 3, Human Rights Watch accuses the regime and Russia of using banned weapons, including cluster munitions and air-dropped "barrel bombs". 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 go into effect, government forces carry out air strikes on Idlib, killing around 18 civilians according to the Observatory. The planned truce fails to take hold amid intense fighting between pro-government forces and the jihadists. On January 21, Russian strikes in Idlib and neighbouring Aleppo province 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 second city 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 has 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 full 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. The United Nations says nearly a million civilians have been forced from their homes and shelters in less than three months, leaving huge numbers to sleep rough in the bitter cold. On February 27, jihadists and Turkish-backed rebels re-enter Saraqeb, reversing one of the main gains of the government's offensive so far. On February 28, at least 33 Turkish soldiers are killed in an air strike blamed on Damascus. Moscow says they were in the "battle formations of terrorist groups The Turkish military retaliates against Syrian government positions as a senior official warns that Turkey will no longer close its borders to refugees who want to go to Europe. UN chief Antonio Guterres warns that "the risk of greater escalation grows by the hour" as NATO calls an urgent meeting of its ruling council at the request of Ankara. acm-eab/par/aph/kir
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