Russian airstrikes kill 5 in Syria

At least five people have been killed and 30 others injured in airstrikes conducted by the Russian warplanes in Syria's northern province of Idlib.

According to the Anadolu Agency, Syria's White Helmets civil-defense force director Mostafa Haj Youssef said Russian warplanes had targeted a number of residential areas on Thursday.

"Russian warplanes used napalm bombs, which are forbidden [...] according to international laws," he said.

Earlier in December, at least 21 civilians were killed in airstrikes conducted by the Russian forces in Islamic State (IS)-held village in eastern Syria.

In May 2016, Russia, Iran and Turkey signed an agreement to set up de-escalation centres in Syria.

De-escalation zones include the Idlib province, some parts of Latakia, Hama and Aleppo provinces, Homs, Eastern Ghouta, Daraa and al-Quneitra provinces in southern Syria.

Syria has been embroiled in a civil war since 2011.

Protestors have for long been demanding the resignation of Assad over his autocratic rule.