Russian airstrikes rain death on Idlib

Airstrikes by what are believed to be Russian warplanes have caused scores of deaths in the Syrian city of Idlib on Sunday, according to reports from rescue workers.

At least six air strikes hit a market place, government buildings and residential areas of the rebel-held city in the northwest part of the war-torn country.

Rescue workers claim to have confirmed 43 dead and at least 30 more bodies yet to be identified. Over 150 people were wounded with some of the more seriously injured sent to hospitals in Turkey.

Russia began a concerted bombing campaign on September 30th  in support of its ally, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Assad  had suffered a series of setbacks including the loss of Idlib province and other areas of crucial strategic importance, earlier this year.

Moscow maintains that its air strikes target Islamic State militants but rebels and residents say they are causing hundreds of civilian casualties, through indiscriminate bombing well away from the frontlines.

Residents say they distinguish Russian planes, flying at higher altitudes than the Syrian helicopters that mainly drop barrel bombs from much lower heights.