In Syria, regime loyalists forces have seized dozens of towns and villages in the northwest region from their jihadist rivals following days of violent clashes. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said, fresh advances in Idlib province bring regime loyalists closer to capturing one of the largest urban centres in Syria's last major opposition bastion. The jihadist-dominated Idlib region hosts some 3 million people including many displaced by years of violence in other parts of Syria. Damascus loyalists have since Thursday been locked in battles with jihadists and allied rebels, seizing a total of 25 towns and villages from their control.<br />'' <br />''  According to the United Nations, heightened regime and Russian bombardment on the Maaret al-Numan region since December 16 has forced tens of thousands of vulnerable people to flee their homes. The world body has called for immediate de-escalation and warned of further mass displacement if the violence continues.<br />'' <br />'' Syria's war has killed over 370,000 people and displaced millions since beginning in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-government protests.<br />