UN: 50 civilian deaths in airstrikes on hospitals, schools in Syria on Monday

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says close to 50 civilians have been killed and many more wounded in missile attacks on at least five medical facilities and two schools in northern Syria, according to The Associated Press (AP).

U.N. deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said Monday that victims of the attacks launched on February 15 included children, The AP said.

He quotes the secretary-general as calling the attacks "blatant violations of international laws" that "are further degrading an already devastated health care system and preventing access to education in Syria."

Haq quoted Ban as saying the attacks "cast a shadow on commitments" made by nations seeking to end the Syrian conflict at a conference in Munich on February 11, which included a cessation of hostilities within a week and an end to attacks on civilians.

According to Reuters, residents in two towns attacked on Monday – Azaz and Marat Numan – blamed Russian strikes, saying the planes deployed were more numerous and the munitions more powerful than the Syrian military typically used..................

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