Deadly Airstrikes in Idlib: Escalating Violence and Russian Involvement

Sunday's airstrikes in Idlib are the latest in a string of violent attacks in the region. Last week, airstrikes in the city of Maarat al-Numan killed at least nine people, including a young girl. At least nine people have been killed and dozens injured in a series of airstrikes on Sunday in Idlib province, Syria. The attack targeted a fruit and vegetable market in Jisr al-Shughur city, according to US-based news organization CNN. 

The strikes come just a day after a Russian mercenary group revolted against President Vladimir Putin. The White Helmets group has reported that the critically wounded have been dying after reaching the hospital, and farmers had to rush the wounded to the hospital in vegetable trucks. The airstrikes follow a period of artillery fire over the past four days. The attack on Jisr al-Shughur is the deadliest to have occurred in northwest Syria this year, according to the report.

The area is mostly held by the militant group Hayat Tahrir al Sham, as well as Turkish-backed forces. The Syrian pro-government newspaper Al-Watan, citing an unidentified security source, said that the airstrike targeted militants and a weapons depot. Russian military flights have been showing marked aggression in Syria in recent months, with pilots even attempting to engage in dogfights with US jets. In response, the US has deployed F-22 fighter jets to the Middle East in order to counter such behavior. Last week, airstrikes in the city of Maarat al-Numan killed at least nine people, including a young girl. This latest attack only furthers the violence in the region.