Syria Conflict: Air strikes hit parts of Idlib Province

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01:25

Parts of rebel-held Idlib Province have been hit by air strikes. But we're learning they are "not" part of the looming military assault being planned by Syria's government. Although they did prove deadly. Alaa Ebrahim report from Damascus.

ALAA EBRAHIM DAMASCUS "Opposition sources tell CGTN that Syrian and Russian fighter jets have carried out dozens of air strikes on Idlib Province in northern Syria-the country's last rebel stronghold."

A British-based monitoring group reported the strikes, including nine deaths near the city of Jisr Al-Shughour in the province's western sector.

A senior Syrian military source told the strikes aren't part of the much-anticipated offensive that the Syrian army has preparing for weeks now. The source insisted these airstrikes were surgical and very precise.

Meanwhile, Syrian army units pounded rebel positions in southern Idlib, using a combination of artillery and air strikes, but without progress on the ground.

Damascus has repeatedly said that it is working to regain control of the entire country, though the upcoming battle in Idlib poses serious concerns about the civilian population. Alaa Ebrahim, CGTN, Damascus.