Russia Launches Strikes Ahead of Offensive on Syrian Rebel Bastion

The U.S. and international agencies warn that an offensive in Idlib could lead to a humanitarian disaster

Russian warplanes struck rebels in Syria’s last major opposition stronghold on Tuesday, forcing the Trump administration to confront a looming regime offensive that is expected to deliver a fatal blow in the seven-year conflict and hand Moscow a diplomatic victory.

The Trump administration issued a coordinated call for Russia, Iran and Syria to avoid a military assault on Idlib. President Trump, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, and Gen. Joseph Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of...