Russian airstrikes hit de-escalation zone in northwestern Syria

IDLIB, Syria (North Press) – On Wednesday, Russian warplanes launched several air strikes on areas in the western countryside of Idlib, within the de-escalation zone in northwestern Syria.

Recently, the region has witnessed a military escalation and bombardment between government forces and opposition groups, amid talks about the Syrian government’s intention to launch a military operation in Idlib.

A field source told North Press that in the morning hours, Russian forces targeted the forest of Hamama village in the countryside of Jisr al-Shughour city, west of Idlib Governorate.

The source reported more than ten airstrikes by Russian forces using thermobaric weapons, without reporting any casualties.

Syrian government forces continued targeting the armed opposition groups’ positions with heavy artillery in the town of Kansafra in Zawiya Mountain, south of Idlib.

The agreement signed between Russia and Turkey in 2017 and its additional protocol in March 2020 provide for the cessation of military operations in Idlib Governorate and the surrounding areas.