Turkey says Russian airstrikes in Syria ‘unacceptable’

Recep Tayyip Erdogan said before departing for France on Sunday that Russia was making a "grave mistake” and that Turkey was "saddened and perturbed” by its actions.

Russia says the airstrikes that began Wednesday are targeting the Islamic State group and al-Qaida’s Syrian affiliate, but at least some of the strikes appear to have hit Western-backed rebel factions.

An activist group said Saturday that the Russian air raids have killed 39 civilians.

On Friday, Turkey and its allies issued a joint statement asking Moscow to cease attacks on the Syrian opposition and to focus on fighting IS.

 

(AP)