Developments in Syria’s Idlib, aka the de-escalation zone, have practically put Sochi agreement on the verge of collapse, according to diplomatic sources in Washington. Russia, Syrian regime forces, and Iran are openly controlling Turkey’s share in this agreement in a systematic manner to change facts on ground, sources noted. An open confrontation has been taking place between Turkey and Russia in more than one issue, especially in Libya, where the Turkish intervention arouses the ire of several international powers, especially Europeans. Consequences of the military operations on the humanitarian situation in Idlib are also causing and driving the US objection to this military path. Sources have recalled tweets by US President Donald Trump, in which he simply indicated that uprooting 30,000 militant fighters must not cause the death and displacement of hundreds of thousands of civilians. “This equation is not acceptable,” Trump noted, in an implicit criticism of Russia’s policies. In Washingtons stepped-up rhetoric on the military escalation in Idlib, a US State Department spokesman said the US strongly condemns the ongoing, unjustified, and cruel attack by Head of the Syrian regime Bashar al-Assad, Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah against civilians in Idlib. The spokesman told Asharq Al-Awsat that these attacks have led to the death of many Turkish people working in the observation centers in Idlib that were established for coordination and de-escalation. “The United States supports Turkey, our NATO ally, in facing these attacks,” he affirmed, offering condolences to the Turkish government for the death of its citizens. He also highlighted Washingtons full support for Turkish justified defense measures to respond to these attacks, noting that his country is holding talks with the Turkish government to discuss this matter. “Destabilizing actions carried out by Russia, Iran, Hezbollah, and Assad’s regime hinder reaching a ceasefire at the national level in Syria,” the spokesman stressed. He called for the implementation of Security Council Resolution 2254 and the safe return of masses of displaced people in northern Syria to their homes, urging immediate ceasefire and access of humanitarian aid to affected areas. The spokesman said this would alleviate the suffering of hundreds of thousands who have fled the constant bombing.