MESOP NEWS UPDATE : Syria Daily: Russian-Regime Airstrikes Escalate Across Northwest

December 25 –  Days after the completion of removals from opposition areas of Aleppo city, Russian and regime warplanes have renewed airstrikes across northwest Syria, raising concerns of a ground offensive.

There were attacks across western Aleppo Province, where many civilians were taken from Aleppo city over the last 10 days. Videos showed Russian night-time assaults, reportedly with cluster bombs, on areas such as the town of Khan al-Asal. Witnesses said Hreitan and Anadan were also bombed.

Residents said at least eight strikes targeted the main cities and towns in neighboring Idlib province, including Binnish, Saraqeb and Jisr al-Shaqour. President Assad has pledge to defeat all “terrorists” following the reoccupation of Aleppo city, portending an assault to recapture Idlib Province, held by the opposition since March 2015. Iran has indicated that it will support Assad. Russia is between the Assad-Iran position and its shift to cooperation with Turkey, which borders Idlib Province and has been a long-time backer of the Syrian opposition and rebels.

Aftermath of strikes on Atareb in western Aleppo Province — six civilians, including two children and a woman, were killed – www.mesop.de