IHH launches aid campaign for Syria’s Idlib

This is the first part of 1,000 truck-load of humanitarian aid for Idlib, Bulent Yildirim, the president of the Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH) told reporters during the event.

"A tragedy that will occur in a possible operation in Idlib is not only Turkey’s problem but Europe’s as well," Yildirim said. 

The Assad regime has recently announced plans to launch a major military offensive in the area, which has long been controlled by armed opposition. 

The UN warned last week that such an offensive would lead to the "worst humanitarian catastrophe in the 21st century".

"Our goal is to send 1,000 trucks to Idlib," Yildirim said, adding the agency was working across Turkey for this aid campaign.  

"Today, we have started with 20 trucks," he added.  

"Idlib is hit by barrel bombs as well. These bombs hit even civil defense teams. Russia hits too," he added.  

Turkey currently hosts nearly 3.5 million Syrian refugees, more than any other country in the world.