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Civilian Killings Mount in Idlib as Cease-fire Breaks Down

Lisa Schlein

   GENEVA - The cease-fire in Syria's Idlib apparently broke down before
   it even began.

   High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet's spokesman, Jeremy Laurence, told
   VOA that immediately following the supposed cease-fire declared nearly
   a week ago, ground-based strikes were being lobbed by both the Syrian
   government and rebel forces.

   Soon after, he said, Syria and its Russian allies resumed airstrikes,
   increasing the threat to civilians.

   "We have serious concerns about the cease-fire," Laurence said. "The
   fact that fighting continues, and attacks continue. We do not know the
   exact terms of the cease-fire agreements. They are certainly vague. But
   suffice it to say people are still being killed, many people on both
   sides of the divide."

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