Syria: Four civilians killed in 'Russian' airstrikes

HAMA, Syria

Four civilians were reportedly killed Sunday in Russian airstrikes on western Hama province, opposition activists said.

Russian warplanes launched an attack on a local marketplace in Akrabat district leaving four civilians dead and scores injured, Local Coordination Committees said.

Moreover, more than 10 Russian airstrikes were launched Sunday on Talbisa district, as well as two other villages north of Homs, according to Local Coordination Committees.

The Local Coordination Committees of Syria are groups of anti-regime local activists that publish news via social media websites.

At least 51 people have been killed including 16 children in Russian airstrikes on areas held by opposition in Hama, Homs and Idlib provinces, according to the Free Syrian Army.

Russia began strikes on Wednesday to bolster the regime of President Bashar al-Assad. Moscow insists the strikes are targeting Daesh and affiliated terrorist groups, but Western countries and their Gulf allies believe moderate opponents of Assad and civilians are bearing the brunt of Russian bombing.

Syria has been gripped by constant fighting since the regime launched a violent crackdown in response to anti-government protests in March 2011, triggering a conflict that has killed more than 250,000, according to the UN.