Syrian opposition says it won’t accept Russian soldiers in demilitarized area

A few days after the 12th round of Astana peace talks on Syria, the Syrian government and Russia resume heavy shelling in Idlib.
A general view taken on May 8, 2019 shows the destruction in the village of Kansafrah following reported shelling on the rebel-held Idlib province on May 8, 2019. - Violence in the northwestern Syrian region of Idlib has displaced more than 150,000 people in the past week, the UN said, as the regime and Russia upped deadly bombardment of the jihadist bastion. (Photo by OMAR HAJ KADOUR / AFP) (Photo credit should read OMAR HAJ KADOUR/AFP/Getty Images)
A general view shows the destruction in the village of Kansafrah following reported shelling on the rebel-held Idlib province, May 8, 2019. - OMAR HAJ KADOUR/AFP/Getty Images
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Khaled al-Khateb
@khaleedalkhteb
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ALEPPO, Syria — Violent battles broke out May 6 between Syrian government forces and their allies and the Syrian armed opposition south of Idlib. The regime’s forces tried to advance into opposition-held areas with the support of Russian aircraft, artillery and rockets that hit opposition areas.

Government troops took control of the village of Janabera and the strategic hill known as Tel Osman. The opposition factions counterattacked in a bid to regain their positions.

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