Syria opposition calls for 'radical solution' in Idlib

Syrian opposition body called for a "radical solution" to overcome jihadist group in Idlib province.

BEIRUT (AFP) - A leading Syrian opposition body called Sunday for a "radical solution" to overcome a powerful jihadist group which dominates Idlib province, the last rebel bastion in the country.

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) sealed its grip on Idlib on Thursday, when it reached a ceasefire deal with what was left of a rival alliance following days of deadly fighting.

Dominated by Syria s former Al-Qaeda affiliate, HTS has proclaimed a Salvation Government to administer most of Idlib province and parts of neighbouring provinces of Aleppo and Hama.

Syria s National Coalition, the leading opposition body, slammed HTS s attempts to "get its hands on" the whole region.

"It s necessary to find a radical solution which puts an end to its presence in Idlib and in any other regions," the coalition said in a statement at the conclusion of a meeting on the latest developments in Syria.

Idlib has been protected by a buffer zone implemented under a Turkish-Russian deal reached in September, to prevent a regime offensive to retake the northern region from rebels.

As part of the deal, jihadists such as HTS were supposed to withdraw from the planned demilitarised area by mid-October but never did.

The HTS takeover revives the threat of a Syrian offensive, prompting the National Coalition to call for an agreement with Turkey to protect civilians.

"And prevent the regime and its supporters, the Russians and the Iranians, to lead a genocide under the pretext of the terrorist presence in the region."