Attacks in Syria kill at least 20 civilians

At least 20 civilians, including nine children, have been killed in the escalating violence of Syria's civil war.

Two major attacks took place on Monday in northern areas controlled by opposition and Kurdish forces.

A suspected airstrike by Syrian government forces hit a market in Idlib province, the last opposition stronghold in northwestern Syria.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the attack killed eight men and two women.

The human rights group added that 1,220 citizens have been killed in Idlib and nearby areas since government forces intensified attacks in late April, with hospitals among its targets.

The latest attack follows last month's breakdown in talks discussing a political settlement between the government and the opposition.

Meanwhile, in the northern province of Aleppo, Kurdish forces said Turkey artillery shelling landed near a school in the Kurdish-held town Tal Rifaat.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the attack killed nine children and one man, injuring a further 21.

Kurdish forces called the shelling "genocide." Turkey has not commented, but is known to regard the Kurdish group that controls the town as "terrorists."

The town is home to Kurds who were driven away from their homes when Turkey launched a large-scale military campaign last year.

NHK

 

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