Northwest Syria holds breath for decision on cross-border aid
Syrians in Idlib fear aid cuts as much as new battles as their living conditions worsen.
![1219081984 Turkish soldiers stand guard during a joint Russian-Turkish patrol along the M4 highway, which links the northern Syrian provinces of Aleppo and Latakia, near Ariha in Syria's rebel-held northwestern Idlib province, on June 10, 2020. (Photo by OMAR HAJ KADOUR / AFP) (Photo by OMAR HAJ KADOUR/AFP via Getty Images)](/sites/default/files/styles/article_hero_medium/public/almpics/2020/07/GettyImages-1219081984.jpg/GettyImages-1219081984.jpg?h=a5ae579a&itok=1gO-4J6Z)
Syria’s northwestern areas have been suffering a humanitarian crisis since April 2019. Though a cease-fire was struck in March in light of the pandemic, waves of displacement have increased the difficulties of everyday life.
“Six months ago, we were displaced from Maarat al-Numan to Zardana village in Idlib, and four months ago we reached Salqin,” said Saeed, who asked that only his first name be used. His home in southern Idlib was under constant bombardment until regime forces took control of it in late January.