Over 270 civilians reported killed from shelling in Syria

June 6, 2016

More than 270 civilians were killed in 24 hours from militant shelling in cities according to a report on Saturday from the  Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Sides in Syria. The report, published on the Russian Defense Ministry website, also stated that hundreds of civilians have been injured. In a message directed to the 's and  head, the Syrian Foreign and Expatriates Ministry reported the attacks came from "moderate" opposition groups that were joining the  and its affiliates in, Syria. According to the Center on Saturday, one of the opposition groups,, joined the Al-Nusra Front for an attack against militias, which effectively forced Kurds to retreat from their positions in the city on Saturday.

The militants' reported new offensive took place in a cessation of Russian and Syrian warplane activity beginning over a week earlier, which enabled the militants to regroup. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the cessation was meant to permit groups coordinating with the and Russia to separate themselves from the the Al-Nusra Front.

However, Russia's foreign minister,, said on television that the United States had requested Russia avoid targeting the Al-Nusra Front, which has affiliations with. In response, a spokesperson stated on Friday that the request was to avoid targeting civilians or legitimate opposition.