(Zaman Al Wasl)- 10 rebel fighters were killed and 50 more wounded on Saturday when Russian warplanes struck their base in northern Idlib province, opposition news feeds said.
Russia and the Syrian regime have stepped up its deadly aerial campaign on Idlib and Hama provinces since Tuesday, conducting more than 150 raids killed at least 30 civilians and dozens of rebel fighters.
The Russian defense ministry claimed that rebels had launched Idlib offensive to hinder the regime's advances in Deir Ezzor province.
Saturday’s 15 airstrikes have targeted Faylaq al-Sham group in the village of Mardikh. The wounded fighters transferred to Bab al-Hawa hospital at the Turkish border.
Three civilians, two women and a child boy, were also killed in Russian strikes on Idlib city.
Hayat Tahir al-Sham, former al-Qaeda group, backed by 5 rebel factions launched major attack on regime bastions in Hama and southern Idlib. The attack was the biggest in the area since March.
Mohamed Firas al-Jundi, Health Minister in the opposition's Interim Government condemned regime and Russia's deliberate attacks on medical facilities in Hama and Idlib, saying wounded people have nowhere to have treatment.
World Health Organization said all three hospitals in Kafr Nabl, Khan Sheikhoun, and Heish sub-districts are no longer in service.
WHO said the attacks had deprived civilians caught in the crossfire of the critical trauma care and health services they need.
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday Turkey will deploy troops in Idlib region as part of a so-called de-escalation agreement brokered by Russia last month.
The “de-escalation” zones, agreed by Turkey, Russia and Iran, would be further discussed in talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin during his trip to Ankara next week, Erdogan said in an interview with Reuters while he was in New York for the annual United Nations General Assembly, Reuters reported.
“Under the agreement, Russians are maintaining security outside Idlib and Turkey will maintain the security inside Idlib region,” Erdogan said.
“The task is not easy ... With Putin we will discuss additional steps needed to be taken in order to eradicate terrorists once and for all to restore peace.” (With Agencies)
Comments About This Article
Please fill the fields below.