Putin unveils demilitarised zone in Syria

Russian president Vladimir Putin says a demilitarised zone to separate Syrian forces and rebels in the Idlib region will be established by 15 October.

Mr Putin made the announcement after meeting Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

He said the zone will be patrolled both by Turkish forces and Russian military police.

Idlib is the last bastion of Syria’s rebels and concern has been high that a government assault on the city and its surroundings would be catastrophic for civilians.

Turkey has opposed such an assault.