Russian airstrike kills 7 in Syria

Idlib [Syria], Jan 30 (ANI): At least seven people were killed and 18 others were injured when a Russian fighter jet struck a market in northern Syria's Idlib province on Tuesday.

"A Russian fighter jet struck the market in Ariha town in the province," White Helmets civil defence agency director, Mustafa Haj Yusuf told Anadolu Agency.

Yusuf added that the forces of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Russian forces had intensified air attacks in Idlib for the last few days.

"Regime (Assad forces) and Russian forces carry out around 100 airstrikes every day," he said.

Airstrikes in Idlib province are common. Several airstrikes in the region have killed scores of people.

In May last year, Russia, Iran and Turkey signed an agreement to set up de-escalation centres to prevent airstrikes in different parts of Syria.

De-escalation zones include the Idlib province, some parts of Latakia, Hama and Aleppo provinces, Homs, Eastern Ghouta, Daraa and al-Quneitra provinces in southern Syria.

Syria has been embroiled in a civil war since 2011.

Protesters have for long been demanding the resignation of Assad over his autocratic rule.

While UN officials say more than 1,00,000 people have been killed in the civil war, Syrian officials say the death toll is closer to 10,000. (ANI)

This story has not been edited. It has been published as provided by ANI