As well as targeting cement plants, above, and weapons factories, Russian airstrikes have killed more than 1,000 women and children

Russia has killed more civilians in Syria than Islamic State in about a third of the time, according to a monitoring group.

Airstrikes orchestrated by the Kremlin have killed at least 2,704 people since Russia entered the conflict on the side of President Assad last September. Isis has caused 2,686 civilian deaths, according to the Syrian Network for Human Rights.

How Russia targets Syria from the Mediterranean

During airstrikes by Assad warplanes last night on the northeastern city of Hassakeh, American fighter planes were scrambled to protect US special forces and allies, according to the Pentagon.

“US aircraft arrived as the two Syrian aircraft were leaving, so had no radio contact with them,” Navy Captain Jeff Davis said. US forces were in the area training and advising Syrian Democratic Forces; none was