Syria: 35 killed in suspected Russian airstrikes in Eastern Ghouta

A file picture taken on December 16, 2015 shows two Russian Sukhoi Su-24 bombers at the Russian Hmeimim military base in Latakia province, in the northwest of Syria. (AFP/Paul Gypteau)

At least 35 people were killed and scores were injured in Syria on Tuesday when Russian jets attacked a marketplace in Eastern Ghouta, local sources told Anadolu Agency.

According to the Syrian Civil Defense, the airstrikes targeted an opposition-controlled village, also killing a number of women and children.

Russia began air operations in Syria on Sept. 30 with the aim of supporting the embattled regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

While the Kremlin says the airstrikes target the Daesh militant group, some members of the western NATO alliance believe Russia is targeting groups opposed to Assad, including some that enjoy U.S. and Turkish support.  

At least 250,000 people have been killed since the Syria conflict began in 2011, according to UN figures.