MOSCOW. April 15 (Interfax) - Militants from the Islamic State (ISIL) and Jabhat al-Nusra groups (both outlawed in Russia) have not ceased to stage armed provocations against the civilian population and government forces in Aleppo and Latakia Provinces, the Russian Center for reconciliation of the opposing sides in Syria has said.
"Following mortar strikes, militants from the Jabhat al-Nusra terrorist group twice attempted to mount an offensive on positions of pro-government forces in the Sheikh Maqsood neighborhood in the northwest of the city of Aleppo on April 13, 2016. Strikes involving multiple-launch rocket systems were carried out against the districts of al-Zahraa, al-Rashideen and the locality of Handarat. Six civilians were killed and another 12 sustained different injuries as a result of the strikes," the center said in a report, which was published on the Russian Defense Ministry's website.
According to the report, on Thursday morning, following massive strikes involving artillery weapons, mortars and 'Hellfire' systems, Jabhat al-Nusra units numbering up to 400 people mounted an offensive on government forces in the locality of Handarat and Kurdish militias in Aleppo's Sheikh Maqsood district with the support of tanks and infantry combat vehicles.
Jabhat al-Nusra militants are also conducting an offensive near the settlement of el-Es in Aleppo Province.
The information being received by the Russian Center from local residents indicates that a unit of more than 150 militants has crossed into the northeastern part of Latakia Province from Turkish territory.
The report also says that militants from the Ahrar al-Sham group have fired multiple-launch rocket systems and mortars at the settlements of Sandran, Beit Smaira, Kinsibba and Kermel in Latakia Province.
"One civilian was killed and another four were injured as a result of the strikes," the Russian Center said.