Russian-led assault in Syria leaves over 500 civilians dead: rights groups, rescuers

A street vendor sells toys next to rubble of damaged buildings in the city of Idlib, Syria. [Reuters]

At least 544 civilians have been killed and over 2,000 people injured since a Russian-led assault on the last rebel bastion in northwestern Syria began two months ago, rights groups and rescuers said on Saturday.

Russian jets joined the Syrian army on April 26 in the biggest offensive against parts of rebel-held Idlib province and adjoining northern Hama provinces in the biggest escalation in the war between Syrian President Bashar al Assad and his enemies since last summer.