Syrians fleeing intense clashes between pro-regime forces and jihadists in the northwest province of Idlib now have to struggle to survive heavy rain on Syria-Turkey border, which has flooded the region. 

Idlib is the last bastion of the rebels and has been under the control of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a former al-Qaeda affiliate group, since 2017. 

Backed by the Russian air force, Damascus has intensified its attacks on the area since mid-December, controlling tens of towns and villages. The clashes have caused the displacement of at least 235,000 people, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

Living in makeshift camps in Sarmadā and Kafr Dariyan towns in the north of Idlib province, photos taken this weekend highlight the dire living conditions exacerbated by recent flooding. 

Displaced civilians mainly depend on critical cross-border aid but this has come under threat after Russia and China recently vetoed the Resolution 2449 which ensured the safe access of humanitarian aid for Syrians.

As winter approaches, the situation for Syria's displaced will only worsen. 

Photos: AFP / Aref Tammawi and Aaref Watad