Idlib braces for disaster as UN tries to avoid 'bloodbath'

Fighters with the Free Syrian army leave a cave where they live, in the outskirts of the northern town of Jisr al-Shughur, Syria, west of the city of Idlib. Source: AP

As the Syrian government and its allies fight to reclaim Syria's north-western city of Idlib, the United Nations is calling on the world powers to avoid a bloodbath.

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Tens of thousands of Syrians escaping the violence in Idlib are fleeing to villages near the Turkish border, fearing the government will launch a full-blown assault on the rebel stronghold.

SBS correspondent GiuseRussia Giuseppe D'Amato explains how Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has promised to retake the rebel-controlled city of Idlib, backed by Vladimir Putin.

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