Rebels blocking exit, Syria reports say

BEIRUT — Syrian state media outlets are accusing militant groups of preventing civilians Saturday from leaving the last rebel-held stronghold in the country’s northwest through a corridor government troops are securing.

The government has used such passageways before to allow residents to flee areas it is besieging ahead of a military offensive.

Last month, Syrian officials declared a “humanitarian corridor” at the southern tip of the stronghold while troops besieged the area.

State-run TV al-Ikhbariya said no civilians came out through the corridor from Idlib province, controlled by militants dominated by jihadi groups, for the second-straight day. Al-Ikhabariya said 20 vehicles were barred by militants from reaching the Abu Dhuhur crossing, including by shooting at those looking to leave.

The state Syrian Arab News Agency also said militants shot at motorists in Idlib, denying them an exit. There was no independent confirmation.

The Abu Dhuhur crossing links rebel-controlled Idlib, home to nearly 3 million people, and government-controlled areas. State television stations showed buses and medical teams waiting at the crossing.

Syrian forces have made major ground advances on Idlib in recent weeks despite a short-lived cease-fire. The government military offensive since late April has forced nearly half a million people to be displaced within the stronghold, and left about 1,000 dead.