At least nine civilians have been killed in a rocket attack on the rebel-controlled city of Idlib in northwestern Syria. The Syrian Human Rights Observatory based in the UK and the rescue organization Weißhelme reported today that five children were among the victims.
More than 20 people were injured. The human rights defenders blamed the Syrian government for the attack.
Turkey reports plane launch
Previously, a soldier was killed by artillery fire in Idlib. The incident happened yesterday, the Turkish Ministry of Defense said. As part of the offensive in Idlib that started last weekend, Turkey also shot down a Syrian L-39 military aircraft.
The plane shot down by a Turkish F-16 crashed in the south of Idlib, the fate of the crew was unclear, said the Syrian Human Rights Observatory based in Great Britain. It was the third plane launch within three days.
The Turkish Ministry of Defense in Ankara confirmed the shooting. The Syrian L-39 military machine had been shot down „as part of the military operation ‚Spring Shield‘, which is continuing successfully“.
An airstrike in the region around the city of Idlib had killed at least 34 Turkish soldiers last week. Ankara blamed the Syrian government and launched a military offensive. The Turkish and Syrian military had already had military clashes before. Since the beginning of February, more than 50 Turkish soldiers have been killed in Idlib.
