UN: Idlib offensive could spark worst humanitarian emergency

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The U.N. director of humanitarian operations warned Tuesday that a large-scale Syrian government offensive in the last major rebel stronghold in northern Idlib province "has the potential to create a humanitarian emergency at a scale not yet seen" in the seven-year civil war.

John Ging called on members of the U.N. Security Council Tuesday "to do all they can to ensure that we avoid this."

The Syrian government is gearing up for an expected offensive in Idlib province, which is home to nearly 3 million people and has a large al-Qaida presence in addition to Syrian rebel groups. It borders Turkey, which fears an offensive may trigger a humanitarian and security catastrophe.