Syrian government steps up air strikes

The Syrian government has increased its air strikes against opposition forces as US led attacks on Islamic State (ISIL) forces within the country intensify. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, over the past month nearly 1,600 strikes have been launched, with 400 civilians killed and 1,500 injured as a result. Analysts say the air strikes are aimed at weakening the rebels before they receive US training to attack ISIL forces. teleSUR