Turkey accuses Russia of war crimes after deadly attack in Syria

ANKARA

A picture shows the rubble of a hospital supported by Doctors Without Borders (MSF) near Maaret al-Numan, in Syria's northern province of Idlib, on February 15, 2016, after the building was hit by suspected Russian air strikes. AFP photo

Turkey has accused Russia of war crimes after missile attacks killed dozens of civilians in five medical facilities and two schools in northern Syria amid escalating tension in the region. 

“These unconscionable and inhumane attacks that we strongly condemn are obvious war crimes under international law. Having committed these crimes, the Russian Federation is further deepening the civil war in Syria as well as causing a dangerous escalation in the region,” the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a written statement late Feb. 15. 

The statement followed Russian missile attacks that hit medical facilities and schools in Azaz and Idlib in northern Syria, killing more than 30 and wounding more than 100 civilians, according to the ministry.
 
The statement warned of more serious and grave consequences in the event Russia does not halt its aggression in Syria, recalling that the International Syria Support Group announced a cessation of hostilities in Syria in a meeting held in Munich on Feb. 11. 

“It has been regretfully observed that the Russians have intensified their attacks and intentionally targeted civilians, hospitals and schools instead of ceasing their aerial campaign,” read the statement.