The violent airstrikes in northwest Syria have forced more than 235,000 people to flee, according to the UN. Because of the winter, many displaced people urgently need humanitarian aid and accommodation, the UN emergency agency (OCHA) said on the short message service Twitter today. However, many aid organizations should have stopped working in parts of Idlib province due to the attacks.
The people were mainly driven south of the city of Idlib, according to a UN report. According to the UN, people flee mainly to the north and towards the Turkish border. Mosques, garages, wedding halls and schools would be used as makeshift accommodations.
Since early December, Syria and Russia have intensified their air strikes on the rebel areas in Idlib. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had warned of a new wave of refugees heading towards Europe in the face of the severe attacks. The military operation against rebels in Idlib province had already started in April. In the first few months after the offensive began, an estimated 400,000 people had to leave their homes.
