RUSSIAN JETS TARGET MOSQUE, KILL FIVE IN ALEPPO

Aleppo, 15 Rabi’ul Awwal 1437/26 December 2015 (MINA) – Five people were killed and 10 others were injured after Russian warplanes targeted a mosque during Friday prayer in Aleppo, Syrian Civil Defense sources said.

The sources said that Batul Mosque in the opposition-held Zebdiya district was severely damaged in the attack, World Bulletin quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

Meanwhile, sources reported more Russian air raids on Old Aleppo, Bustan al-Qasr, Karm Turab and Bab Kansirin districts.

Earlier on Friday, Russian warplanes also targeted two hospitals in Azaz district in Aleppo, killing at least seven people, including three children.

Russian airstrikes have killed more than 250 civilians this week alone across Syria.

According to a report released earlier this month by Amnesty International, Russian airstrikes in Syria have killed hundreds of Syrian civilians over the last three months.

The report also suggests that the Russian authorities were attempting to cover up the mounting civilian death toll.

The report provides evidence which shows that the Russian military has used unguided bombs in densely populated civilian areas, along with internationally banned cluster munitions.

Amnesty International said the airstrikes had caused massive destruction to residential areas striking homes, mosques, markets and medical facilities in violation of international humanitarian law.

Russia began air operations in Syria on Sept. 30 with the aim of supporting the embattled regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

While the Kremlin says the airstrikes target the ISIL militant group, some members of the western NATO alliance believe Russia is targeting groups opposed to Assad, including some that enjoy U.S. and Turkish support.

At least 250,000 people have been killed since the Syria conflict began in 2011, according to UN figures. (T/P006/R03)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)