![Syrian civilians, with their belongings are on their way to safer zones near Turkish border as they flee their homes due to the airstrikes of Assad regime forces and Russia, in northwestern Syria’s Idlib de-escalation zone, on 13 February 2020. [Muhammed Said - Anadolu Agency]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/20200213_2_40838150_52130575.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1)
The high representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, on Friday announced via his twitter account: “Ongoing escalation around needs to stop urgently” in Idlib, Syria.
He also warned that: “There is a risk of sliding into a major open international military confrontation.”
The EU official pointed out that this is also: “Causing unbearable humanitarian suffering and putting civilians in danger.”
In another Twitter post, he tweeted: “EU calls on all sides for rapid de-escalation and regret all loss of life.”
Borrell added: “The EU will consider all necessary measures to protect its security interests. We are in touch with all relevant actors.”