President Trump issues surprise warning to Syria amid tensions

US President Donald Trump (Photo: Reuters)

In a tweet on September 3, US President Donald Trump wrote: "The Syrian President Bashar al-Assad regime must not recklessly attack Idlib province. Russia and Iran must not make the mistake of getting involved in this tragedy. Hundreds of thousands of people could die. Don't let that happen."

The United Nations warned last week that the fighting in Idlib could lead to a humanitarian disaster. Many people are currently living in refugee camps in Idlib in extremely harsh conditions, with about 2 million people in need of humanitarian aid.

President Trump warns Syrian military not to attack Idlib. (Photo: Twitter)

Idlib is considered the last stronghold of rebels and terrorist groups in Syria. The situation in this area has recently tended to escalate in the context of the Syrian army being said to be preparing a large-scale attack to liberate Idlib.

Meanwhile, Russia and Syria accused the US and its Western allies of using chemical weapons as an excuse to plan airstrikes against Syria to hinder the plan to liberate Idlib.

Syria, Russia, and Iran have not yet commented on President Trump's latest warning. Previously, Iran called for the elimination of rebels and terrorists from Idlib. Russia has begun to establish humanitarian corridors in Idlib province for several weeks.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov earlier accused US-backed rebels of staging a chemical weapons attack in Idlib to create a pretext for the US and its allies to prepare for an air strike on Syria.