Activists said that at least 13 people, including women and children, were killed in airstrikes by regime forces on the town of Alrastan north of Homs earlier today. At least 9 airstrikes hit the rebel-held town, and regime forces used artillery to hit civilians’ homes in the town.
Around 30 airstrikes by Assad’s warplanes also targeted the suburbs of the towns of Harbnafsa and Alzara in northern rural Homs, with attempts by regime ground forces to advance on the towns.
In southern rural Damascus, rebel and FSA groups continue to repel attempts by regime forces to storm the town of Khan Alshih which was struck with no fewer than 30 airstrikes and barrel bombs on Tuesday.
Head of the opposition’s negotiation delegation in Geneva Asaad Alzoabi said that while Russia is stepping up airstrikes in Syria, Iran and the Assad regime have recently amassed around 11,000 troops around Aleppo and Idlib.
Alzoabi pointed out that the Assad regime and its allies are currently preparing for the second military campaign against eastern Ghouta near Damascus, noting that Iranian-backed militiamen continue to arrive to Damascus International Airport and to Hama airbase.
Alzoabi went on to say that Russia is stepping up its aerial attacks on Aleppo and eastern Ghouta ahead of regime preparations to launch a ground attack on Aleppo. (Source: Syrian Coalition + Agencies)
