Idlib humanitarian corridor’s opening delayed by mortar shelling

The Syrian authorities said that the opening of Abu al-Duhur humanitarian crossing in Idlib province would be delayed after armed groups attacked the post with rocket-propelled grenades and mortar shells on Monday.

Smoke rising in the distance and a spent mortar casing were presented as evidence by soldiers stationed at the crossing.

No casualties were reported, but the authorities will keep the crossing point closed until Tuesday morning ‘for security reasons’, explained one Syrian Arab Army soldier in an interview.

Syrian authorities were due re-open the humanitarian corridor for seven days to allow civilians to leave militant-controlled areas in Idlib.