The US government has recently reviewed relations with the Syrian government because of action in Syria. The Syrian Civil War, a conflict fought by multiple militant groups and nations on each side, has been going on since 2011. The Syrian government headed by president Assad is supported by pro government groups Russia and Iran. Most anti-government groups are supported by the United States and its coalition of countries. Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant has also been a major threat in the area along with various other radical groups.The United States has given weapons, money and training to a select few moderate anti-government rebel groups. The United States started bombing ISIL targets in the area in 2014.

Relations between the Coalition and the Syrian government have not been perfect since the 70s and are deteriorating further. The Assad regime has been convicted of gas attacks against its own people. The attack was against civilians in the city of Douma and is said to have killed about 70 people. The Coalition responded by bombing Syrian government targets and threatening increased retaliation if chemical attacks continue.

Now, one of the only rebel held cities left, Idlib is threatened by a Syrian government attack. This would be a bloodbath because of the 2.5 million civilians in the province. The Coalition fears of more chemical attacks like the one seen in Douma. The US threatens increased force if these methods are used and wants to prevent a humanitarian crisis. Russia and Turkey have agreed on a buffer zone in the area with more Turkish troops being deployed in the area. Rebels in the Idlib province do not agree with the terms of the ceasefire.