Syrian airstrikes target rebel camps in Idlib province

The Syrian air force carried out airstrikes against a camp which belongs to jihadi rebel groups in the northwestern province of Idlib on Tuesday, leaving many casualties, pan-Arab al-Mayadeen TV reported.

Two airstrikes targeted the camp of the Jund al-Aqsa group in the northern countryside of Idlib, said the report.

Meanwhile, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said tens of rebels from the Ahrar al-Sham Movement were killed by airstrikes against their camps in Idlib.

The UK-based watchdog group said senior trainers from the commanders of Ahrar al-Sham were at the camp in the town of Sheikh Bahar in Idlib countryside.

The fresh strikes came after airstrikes targeted positions of the Jaish al-Fateh rebel group in Idlib at midnight, killing over 25 people.

The Jaish al-Fateh accused the Russian air force of carrying the strikes, which was later denied by Moscow.

The al-Mayadeen said the midnight strikes killed rebels, while the Observatory said civilians were among those killed, including children.

In retaliation, the Jaish al-Fateh fired at the government enclave of Kafraya and Foa towns in Idlib countryside, leaving unknown losses. Both towns are Shiite and besieged by the rebels.

The Syrian army was said to start an offensive against Idlib, much of which under the control of Jaish al-Fateh and other rebel factions.

Still, it's not yet clear whether the strikes were a prelude for an offensive in Idlib, near Turkey. Endit