Sydney Morning Herald: Syrian army reportedly preparing Idlib assault, Russia navy ready
Beirut: Syrian government forces are preparing a phased offensive in the north-western province of Idlib and surrounding areas, the last big rebel enclave, a source close to Damascus says.
Russia, Syria President Bashar al-Assad's main backer from outside the region, said on Wednesday that militants there must be liquidated and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov described them as "a festering abscess".
At the same time, NATO says the Russian navy is building up its presence in the Mediterranean Sea. At least eight ships, including a missile cruiser and two missile-carrying submarines, have joined the Russian flotilla over the past three weeks. Russian media reports indicate there are around 15 Russian navy vessels in the Mediterranean overall.
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Syria Says Its Military Is Ready For A Major Offensive On The Last Rebel Stronghold In Idlib
Stage set for final bloody showdown in Syria — a ‘catastrophe’ in the making -- Global News/AP
Assad Offensive on Syria's Rebel-held Idlib Reportedly Imminent, Despite Fear of Mass Civilian Casualties -- Haaretz/Reuters
Syria Says Military Set For Major Offensive In Idlib As Russia Plans Major Naval Drills In Mediterranean -- RFE
Damascus vows to 'liberate all of Syria' regardless of Western 'aggression' -- AFP
Syria will ‘go all the way’ in Idlib offensive as UN envoy offers to help civilians leave -- Arab News
Russian navy to hold drills off Syria as Idlib offensive looms -- Reuters
Lavrov says terrorists’ use of Idlib for attacks on Russian, Syrian troops unacceptable -- TASS
US concerned as Syrian regime moves helicopters close to rebel stronghold -- CNN
Last-ditch talks to avert battle for Syria's Idlib -- AFP
UN Syria envoy offers to negotiate ceasefire in last rebel stronghold -- The Guardian
U.N. fears chemical weapons in Syria battle with '10,000 terrorists' -- Reuters
Syria Idlib: UN warns of threat to civilians if new offensive begins -- BBC
De Mistura warns of 'perfect storm' over Syria's Idlib -- Al Jazeera
