<span style="color: #222222;">In Syria, at least 16 civilians  has been killed in airstrikes and artillery shelling amid intensified violence in rebel-held areas of northwestern part of the country.</span><br />''<br />''According to Media reports, the bombardments hit three villages in Idlib province.<br />''<br />''<span style="color: #222222;">Increased strikes targeting Idlib province in recent weeks seem to indicate that Syrian government's forces are preparing for a ground offensive. Idlib province is dominated by al-Qaida linked militants.</span><br />