At least 20 civilians were killed by airstrikes that hit Idlib city at dawn on Tuesday in what activists said was a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement in place since December 29, 2016.
Local activists published photos and videos showing destroyed apartment buildings that were directly hit by the airstrikes which began at 3:30 AM. The airstrikes, which activists suspected were carried out by Russian fighter jets, hit the neighborhoods of Amn Addawla, Carlton, Qusour, Wadi Annasim, and Addabit as well as a public market, the Shuaib Mosque, and a football stadium.
The death toll resulting from the airstrikes is expected to rise as rescue workers are still trying to pull victims from under the rubble. Fearing more airstrikes- the latest of which were by far the most violent to hit Idlib city since the truce was announced- terrified residents of the city sought shelter in basements of residential buildings.
Meanwhile, the Syrian Coalition’s media office said it has recorded at least 30 truce violations by regime forces on Monday. The Local Coordination Committees said at least 17 civilians were killed in the violations. The victims included a civilian who died of acute renal failure in the besieged town of Madaya after doctors failed to offer him help due to lack of medical supplies resulting from the siege imposed on the town by regime forces and allied militias. (Source: Syrian Coalition’s Media Office)
