Russia steps up bombing campaign hours before Syria ceasefire kicks in

Russian warplanes carried out intense air strikes on rebel strongholds in Syria on Friday hours before a ceasefire was due to come into force. It launched at least 10 raids on the town of Douma in rebel-held Eastern Ghouta, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Government forces have also been bombarding the town with artillery shells. Air strikes in the Qabtan al-Jabal area of Aleppo province killed eight members of the same family including three children on Thursday night, the monitor said. Other strikes were also reported in Hama and Homs provinces.

It’s more intense than usual. It’s as if they (the Russians and the regime) want to subdue rebels in these regions or score points before the ceasefire

Abdel Rahman, Syrian Observatory for Human Rights

The partial ceasefire between regime forces and non-jihadist rebel fighters is due to take effect at midnight Friday (2200 GMT) Damascus time. It does not include the Islamic State jihadist group and the Al-Qaeda affiliated Al-Nusra Front. However, observers think Russia has stepped up its bombardment because it wants to make significant gains before it comes into force. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed the Observatory’s reports. "The Russian air force is certainly continuing its operation in Syria" but against “terrorist organisations,” he said.

A lot of that is going to depend on whether the Syrian regime, Russia, and their allies live up to their commitments. The coming days will be critical, and the world will be watching

Barack Obama

syria