Russian and Syrian jets have resumed strikes on rebel-held territory in Idlib and Hama Provinces. Witnesses in the area say barrel bombs were used, something Damascus denies. The United Nations warns of a humanitarian crisis if there is an all-out offensive. CGTN's Alaa Ebrahim reports.

ALAA EBRAHIMDAMASCUS "Syrian state news agency SANA reported on Sunday that Syrian army units resumed artillery and missile strikes against militant positions in the northern countryside of Hama province. It's part of the ongoing operation against rebels in Idlib, the country's last rebel stronghold. Government-owned media outlets reported that the attacks killed five militants from al-Qaeda Syrian affiliates and destroyed rocket launch pads. Opposition sources, on the other hand, tell CGTN the ongoing airstrikes are the most intense in weeks. They accuse both the Russian and Syrian air forces of targeting a hospital and civilians homes. But a Syrian army source denies these reports saying the army's strikes were accurate accusing rebels of using civilians as human shields.

A UK based monitoring group says Syrian helicopters conducted 19 airstrikes while Russian fighters jets staged nearly 70. Meanwhile, Damascus maintains the much-anticipated offensive on Idlib hasn't started yet as eyewitnesses say more Syrian army reinforcements are pouring into the outskirts of Idlib. Russian forces in Syria are also increasing their presence by bringing more vessels to the Syrian coast and the Russian air base in Khmeimim. Alaa Ebrahim, CGTN, Damascus."