The Syrian government has intensified its attacks on the last strongholds of opposition forces in the northwest of the country, with more than 200 civilians killed over the past month.
The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says 236 civilians, including 47 children, have been killed since late April. The group says a further 269 government troops and 309 opposition fighters were killed in conflict.
Last September, Russia and Turkey set up a demilitarized zone in Idlib province and nearby areas controlled by the rebels in a bid to halt attacks by forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad. Russia backs Assad's government and Turkey supports the opposition forces.
The United Nations and Western powers are calling on both sides to agree to a ceasefire.
But the Assad government has shown no sign of halting its attacks and is poised to regain control of all Syrian land from opposition forces.
There has been no progress in talks between Russia and Turkey.
NHK
