Syrians in Idlib brace for chemical weapons attack, ground invasion by Assad forces

Little girls in Idlib laughing and clap despite the banal incursion on the last rebel stronghold
                                    
                                        (Fox News)

While pro-Assad bombs fall around Idlib province – the last opposition stronghold in Syria's long-running civil war – those trapped inside the city of the same name can only wait for the inevitable last battle, with nowhere left to hide.

"We are afraid of Assad bombing our homes, we are concerned about death – but after seven years we are used to this. Only now, there are no safe places left. There are no safe areas, "Suhaib Monzer Zakour, a 25-year-old media activist inside Idlib, told Fox News in a telephone interview.

"So for now, people here just try to live their lives. They go to work, they go shopping. We do not know what will happen. But we would rather die than go to the diet side. That is not an option for us. "

The latest escalation comes from President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence, Syrian attack on Idlib. And U.S officials believe Assad has already given its approval to the use of chlorine gas in Idlib, according to a Wall Street Journal report.

Despite staunch denials from Damascus and Moscow, the UN has accused the Syrian regime of using chemical weapons against its own citizens. In April, a chemical attack in Idlib's Khan Sheikhoun left more than 80 civilians dead.

"Explained Moaed Tomah, a 28-year-old political science student in Idlib." "It is just a plastic bag with an empty water bottle punctured, sometimes with charcoal or cotton inside. But this might not be enough to save them. "

The latest uptick of Syria and Russian airstrikes resumed with the following weekend, following failed ceasefire negotiations between Russia, Iran and Turkey at a trilateral summit in Tehran. For now, the city center of Idlib is peaceful. Yet many can feel the clock ticking.

Some residents said they are storing food and medicines, while others are simply praying for the best.

"People are living in fear and anticipation because they know well what Assad and Russia are capable of. Life is functioning, but we are scared, "said Mohamed Barakat, 32, a manager of a cultural center in the western Aleppo countryside. "Civilians can not protect themselves. Even underground basements that have been previously targeted for highly destructive bombs, and are not a safe option anymore. "

Idlib markets are bursting with life, as men ride through the streets on old motorcycles, while others clutch their prayer beads in quiet corners. Little boys peddle rusty bicycles, play soccer open the open spaces and work from dawn selling bread from the booths, as little girls sing and clap giddily

"We are doing our best to continue with normal life. It's our sign of resistance, "said Mariam Shirout, a 38-year-old school teacher and manager of a children's center in Idlib. "But only 50 percent of children are attending school, because families are so afraid that the school will be bombed."

After more than seven years of conflict between the Bashar al-Assad government and various rebel factions, the northwestern pocket of Syria – the most provinces and territories of Latakia, Hama and Aleppo provinces – is now overflowing with more than three million people. Roughly half is already displaced, having escaped other parts of Syria, or resettled as part of a deal between rebels and government forces.

The looming likelihood of an all-out assault by pro-Assad forces, with support from its key allies Russia and Iran, has forced more than a thousand civilians to helplessly run towards the Turkish border in recent days. Nonetheless, Turkey – which has already taken in the millions of Syrian refugees and has a backbone of rebel forces. or return to the rules and possible retribution.

"People here, especially activists, journalists, and humanitarian staff," Assad's Prisons, "Barakat asserted. "Fleeing or reconciling with the regime is not an option for anyone who assad."

Some in Idlib city are still trying to get some help in the past. But that journey – while only around 30 miles – is fraught with danger.

"A few are still trying to cross the border through illegal movements," Zakour said. "Turkish border guards goal will shoot at them."

Multiple activists and rebel fighters in Idlib told Fox News most of the recent military action has come from the air. But there is increasing concern the regime is assembling forces from other parts of the country, prelude for a massive ground attack.

According to Dr. Khaled Almilaji, a 37-year-old physician and NGO of humanitarian medical NGO SIMRO, the bombing of hospitals and healthcare facilities – an apparent signature strategy of the diet throughout the war – has begun, with three facilities "attacked directly "In the last three days alone.

"These people are already suffering from bad humanitarian conditions, education, and drinking water," he lamented. "However, they loved the freedom they had in north-western Syria. They have for the first time in their lives that they, and their parents, did not have for tens of years. "

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Tomah said "propaganda" has been circulating from the Assad side of the White Helmets, also known as the Syrian Civil Defense – a volunteer organization of first responder and rescue workers in rebel-controlled regions – are "preparing to carry out a chemical attack on civilians, "igniting steep worry that they are in fact setting the stage for a sinister cover-up.

Residents say the White Helmets have, rather, been holding basic medical and survival training sessions and running an "awareness campaign" in Idlib to prepare locals for a possible chemical incursion.

These are some of the most important things in the world and how are they doing? a means of protection, "said Emad Batieh, 37, manager of Alrowad Schools.

Abdullah al Husain, White Helmets member in Idlib, told Fox News they stand ready to help.

"We are just waiting," he said. "We are waiting for something; we do not know what that something will be. "

Pro-government media outlets insist the latest ramp-up of aerial bombing is in retaliation to shelling from rebel posts, in keeping with the government's mandate that all opposition members are "terrorists."

There are an estimated 10,000 rebel fighters left in and around Idlib. And the Russians insist that they are targeting forces while sparing civilian areas.

Some in Idlib remain hopeful for a last-ditch crack of hope that somehow, someone will save the day.

"We are besieged. Everyday life is difficult. But I will never forget the children who have become scapegoats, seeing their innocent faces in this war, "said Walid Asad, a 31-year-old mathematics teacher. "The United States and international community must carry out their humanitarian duty and prevent the regime and its allies from letting this happen again."