Cairo, Nov 30 (EFE).- At least 16 civilians were killed and 20 injured in Aleppo on Saturday in bombings allegedly carried out by Russian forces as Syrian rebels, backed by Turkey, gained control of the city, according to a war monitor.
The attack marked the first such airstrikes in the area since 2016, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.
The observatory said Russian forces reportedly targeted the al-Basil roundabout in Aleppo, northern Syria, on Saturday.
The strikes come as rebels backed by Turkey have seized significant control of the city, marking a major shift in Syria’s ongoing conflict.
The non-profit described the incident as a “horrible massacre,” noting that civilians had reportedly gathered at the roundabout when the airstrikes occurred.
Over the past four days, fierce clashes between Syrian government forces and the Islamist militants have left more than 325 people dead, including Syrian soldiers and rebel fighters, in western Aleppo and southern Idlib, the last major stronghold of anti-government forces.
The Syrian army confirmed its withdrawal from Aleppo on Saturday, citing “dozens” of casualties.
However, it called the move “temporary,” pending reinforcements for a counteroffensive.
Meanwhile, Russian warplanes targeted areas west of Aleppo and in southern Idlib as Turkish-backed rebel groups advanced, seizing strategic towns connecting to Hama.
The escalation occurs against the backdrop of Turkey’s efforts to restore diplomatic ties with Syria.
However, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has demanded that Ankara withdraw its troops from northern Syria and cease supporting opposition factions as preconditions for reconciliation.
The rebel offensive began on the same day a ceasefire took effect in Lebanon, following heavy Israeli strikes on Hezbollah targets in both Lebanon and Syria.
Hezbollah, a key ally of the Syrian government, has maintained a significant presence in the region throughout the civil war, now in its 13th year. EFE
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