AL-QAIDA-LINKED rebels launched a new offensive against Syrian government forces in the north-western province of Idlib yesterday, less than a month after seizing control of the provincial capital.

The jihadist groups, including the Nusra Front, are co-ordinating a multipronged campaign whose main target appears to be the town of Jisr al-Shughour.

Opposition fighters are also attacking government checkpoints in the agricultural plain south of the town as well as nearby military facilities.

Forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad maintain control of Jisr al-Shughour as well as towns and military facilities in the province.

However, they are coming under heightened pressure from groups financed by Saudi Arabia and Qatar and helped by Turkey.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that the rebels had taken five checkpoints since the offensive began, including two near Jisr al-Shugour, in fighting that has killed at least eight rebels and an unknown number of government troops.