Syrian regime troops backed by Russian air support have made new advances in the rebel-held province of Idlib, northwest Syria, causing the northward displacement of thousands towards relative safety near the Turkish border. 

Syrian regime forces are poised to enter the city of Maaret al-Numan in the northwest of Idlib province, the last bastion of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) rebels who include former al-Qaeda-affiliated jihadists. The area was formerly a safe haven for internally displaced persons (IDPs) who fled conflict elsewhere in Syria.

In the last 72 hours, regime forces have seized 22 towns and villages and “besieged Maaret al-Numan from three sides,” the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported on Monday.

More than 200 people from both sides have died in the clashes since Friday, the UK-based monitor group added.

Fighting in Idlib province has caused the displacement of more than 358,000 people since December 1, according to the UN.

Photos: Abdulaziz Ketaz / AFP