DAMASCUS, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- The rebels in Idlib province, northwestern Syria, on Friday prevented civilians from leaving the rebel-held areas through humanitarian corridors set up by the government and Russia, state news agency SANA reported,
The opposition activists accused the government of undermining a truce in Idlib, said SANA.
The report said the rebels fired mortar shells on two villages in Idlib's countryside and planted mines on the roads leading to the three humanitarian corridors.
The government kept on preparing for the evacuation of civilians with medical teams and ambulances on standby, said SANA, adding that no civilians could leave on Friday.
Over the past two days, dozens of civilians managed to leave through the corridors before the operation was hindered.
On the opposition side, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the recently established truce by Russia and Turkey in Idlib has faltered over the past 48 hours, accusing the Russian and Syrian side of launching 1,200 aerial shelling in Idlib.
A total of 61 rebels and government forces were killed in the recent escalation in Idlib, said the organization.
It added that the Syrian government unleashed an assault after midnight Wednesday and advanced toward the city of Saraqeb and the Maarat al-Numan town.
The recent escalation comes as Russia and Turkey mediated a new cease-fire in Idlib earlier this month.
The Syrian army has made notable progress recently in battles against the rebels in Idlib, capturing several areas in the quest to liberate the road linking Hama province with Aleppo.
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said recently that the battle against terrorism in Idlib is a priority for the Syrian government.
Idlib has emerged as the main destination of the rebel groups, which have evacuated several positions across Syria after surrendering to the Syrian army. The province is now considered as the last major rebel bastion in Syria.
Certain parts of Idlib are covered by a de-escalation zones' deal brokered by Russia and Turkey. However, such deals exclude the ultra-radical rebels who are affiliated with the al-Qaida and branded as terrorist groups by the UN.
