Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has pledged to continue attacks on opposition strongholds in the northwest, amid serious concerns over the plight of citizens.

Assad said in a televised speech on Monday that the battle to liberate Aleppo and Idlib will continue.

Idlib is the country's last opposition stronghold. Syrian forces, backed by Russia, are waging a fierce offensive there, as well as in the neighboring province of Aleppo.

Fighting has also erupted between Syrian forces and Turkish troops that back the opposition in Idlib and nearby areas.

As conditions worsen in the region, the United Nations says 900,000 people have been driven away from their homes since December 1. It says most of them are women and children.

NHK