DAMASCUS – At least 25 civilians were killed and dozens more wounded on Friday in airstrikes by Russian warplanes in the towns of Jisrain and Kafr Batna in the eastern Ghouta of Damascus, local sources reported. The airstrikes targeted a crowded market with guided missiles, activists and a local documentation center said on Friday.Speaking to ARA News in Damascus, media activist Ahmed Doumani said that Russian warplanes have launched several raids on the town of Jisrain in Damascus suburbs, one of the rockets dropped on a crowded popular market, and led to the death of at least 25 people and the injury of 70 others, including children and women.
Activists described the incident as a “terrifying massacre” committed by Assad’s ally, Russia, against peaceful civilians.
| Civilians. Peaceful civilians. Heavily-armed, peaceful civilians... |
“Russian fighter jets also launched several air raids on the residential neighborhoods in the town of Kafr Batna. The victims’ numbers are dramatically increasing,” an informed source told ARA New. “Residents raised distress calls due to the lack of medical staff and medicines.”
Over the past few weeks, Russian air forces have been stepping up their military operations on the areas held by Syrian opposition factions, especially in light of the frustration experienced by the regime’s army.