30 people killed in Syria bombing-Local monitors

Residents of Syria’s rebel-held city Aleppo have reported a surge of airstrikes, which local monitors say have killed at least 30 people. The Syrian government announced a renewed offensive against the city after U.S. and Russia failed to salvage a cease-fire that had diffused hostilities for nearly a week.

Witnesses say the intensified bombing campaign in Aleppo, reportedly carried out by Syrian helicopters and Russian warplanes, started late Wednesday and has continued since, targeting residential areas and buildings used by the volunteer group known as the “White Helmets.”

Aleppo, the country’s second biggest city, has been divided among government troops, rebel militias, Islamic extremists and Kurdish fighters since 2012.

One member of the Syria Civil Defense group told the Associated Press that this week’s bombardment is the most intense of the war.

He claimed the attacks were in retaliation for “White Helmets” volunteers winning the international “Right Livelihood Award” on Thursday in recognition of their efforts to rescue and provide medical care for those injured in attacks.

The group says the full extent of the casualties remains unclear because the intensity of the bombing has prevented workers from reaching victims of the latest strikes.