Syria Crisis: Offensive to retake Idlib Province could be deadliest in conflict

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02:17

Syrian government forces are ready to "go all the way" to retake Idlib province. That's according to the country's foreign minister. Russia and Syria are finalizing plans to overtake the country's last major rebel-held stronghold. The offensive on Idlib is expected any day. CGTN's Lucy Taylor has more from Moscow.

It could be the final fight in the Syrian conflict. But it could also be the deadliest. Idlib province is the last big rebel-held enclave. Syria and Russia call it a "hotbed of terrorists" who need to be "flushed out".

WALID AL-MOALLEM SYRIAN FOREIGN MINISTER "The decision of Syrian authorities is to exterminate Al-Nusra in Idlib and we will go all the way. We say that the priority is to consolidate with any local groups that wish to do so. We will exert all efforts to avoid civilian casualties."

But the United Nations warns that a "perfect storm" is building for the people of Idlib - many already displaced and with nowhere else to go.

STAFFAN DE MISTURA UNITED NATIONS SPECIAL ENVOY FOR SYRIA "The estimates of the Al-Quaeda, Al-Nusra, whatever name they want to call themselves is, more or less, around 10,000 of them, plus families. Now, the people in Idlib larger area are 2.9 million people. So, there is and there can be no justification in order to fight rightfully terrorists to not avoid using heavy weapons in densely populated areas."

UN Special Envoy De Mistura also warned that both sides in the battle could use chemical weapons, though Syria denies it has any. Meanwhile, Russia has accused the West of planning to stage a chemical attack, to justify an attack on Syrian forces. As Russia and Syria plan their next steps, the civilians of Idlib are no doubt growing nervous.

LUCY TAYLOR MOSCOW "These two allies describe Idlib as the last hotbed of terror in Syria. But it is also home to almost three million people. The next offensive, when it comes, may turn out to be the final stage of this deadly seven-year conflict - but the warnings are that it could also be the worst. Lucy Taylor, CGTN, in Moscow."