A victim lies among fruit and vegetables scattered by a pro-Assad bombing of Ma’arat al-Num’an in northwest Syria, December 2, 2019


At least 11 people have been killed in the latest pro-Assad bombing of Idlib Province in northwest Syria.

Russian-made warplanes attacked two fruit and vegetable markets in the towns of Ma’arat al-Num’an and Saraqeb, regular targets of Russian and regime assaults near Idlib city. Dozens of residents were wounded.

Videos showed victims being carried away from demolished stands and charred vehicles.

Reports said Russia also targeted a prison, causing casualties as detainees escaped.

Russia and the regime have killed more than 1,000 civilians, wounded thousands, and displaced more than 400,000 people since launching an offensive in late April to occupy the last major opposition area in Syria. The offensive has seized almost all of northern Hama Province and part of southern Idlib.

Vladimir Putin declared a “pause” in military operations in early September, but Russia and the regime renewed bombing and shelling this month, killing dozens of civilians and injuring scores.

Two weeks ago at least 15 displaced Syrians, most of them children, were killed and more than 70 wounded by Russian missiles fired on a camp near the Turkish border. Last week Russia bombed the Kiwan Hospital southwest of Idlib city, the 66th attack on a medical facility in seven months.

The greater Idlib area is home to about 3 million people — 20% of the remaining population of Syria after 104 months of conflict.

“Please Tell Me My Dad is Still Alive”

Images showed rescuers digging out victims and children, bloodied by the attack, crying out for parents who were murdered.