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The Syrian government and its allied forces are closing in on the largest remaining rebel-held territory in the country, forcing thousands of civilians to flee towards the border with Turkey in wintry conditions.
The siege on Idlib, a large province in northwestern Syria which is dominated by al-Qaeda-linked militants and a hub for civilians, was expected following the defeat of ISIS late last year.
Opposition forces claim more than 5,000 families have fled the region in the past two weeks, with reports of 'carpet bombing' by the Russians on towns and villages in the region.