Idlib province has endured escalating strikes by Russian planes in recent months, according to global aid workers and residents, destroying scores of hospitals, bakeries and other infrastructure across rebel-held territory.
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One resident and rescue workers say they thought that the jets were Russian, which they said can be identified by their high altitude flying in sorties, unlike Syrian helicopters that hit at lower altitudes.
Previous peace efforts have crumbled within weeks, with the United States accusing Mr Assad’s forces of attacking opposition groups and civilians.
The army and pro-government militias pushed from the city’s the Ramousah area towards rebel pockets in the Amriyah district, both sides said.
Recent government gains in Ramousah have reopened the main route into the government-held west, and let forces backing President Bashar al-Assad encircle the city’s rebel-held east.
A total of 24 people were killed on Saturday by airstrikes against rebel-held areas in the northwestern province of Idlib, a monitor group reported.
US Secretary of State John Kerry has called on all sides to respect US-Russia deal for ceasefire in Syria.
“Today we are announcing an arrangement that we think has the capability of sticking, but it’s dependent on people’s choices”, Kerry said in Geneva.
“That should put an end to the barrel bombs, an end to the indiscriminate bombing of civilian neighbourhoods”, Kerry said. Under the agreement, a national cease-fire would begin in Syria at nightfall Monday, timing that coincides with the significant Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha.
The UN Special Envoy also welcomed the fact that the Russian Federation and the United States are prepared to work together to defeat Daesh and Al Nusra front.
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Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said despite continuing mistrust, the two sides had developed five documents that would enable coordination of the fight against terrorism and a revival of Syria’s failed truce.
