Merkel, Trump share concerns about Syrian developments

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and US President Donald Trump shared concerns about developments in Syria, especially the humanitarian situation in the region around Idlib, their offices said on Monday (August 27) after the leaders spoke by telephone, Reuters reported.

“Both leaders called for international action to prevent a humanitarian crisis in Idlib Province,” White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said in a statement.

Russia is called upon to act in a moderating manner on the Assad regime and prevent a further escalation, according to Merkel’s spokesman Steffen Seibert .

Assad, backed by Moscow, says it aims to recapture the opposition-held enclave of Idlib in northern Syria, a refuge for civilians and opposition factions displaced from other areas of Syria.

The region has been hit by a wave of air strikes and shelling this month in a possible prelude to a full-scale Assad offensive.

Merkel also raised concerns about the situation in Idlib during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin just over a week ago.