Russia and Iran have offered military and diplomatic support to the Syrian government as it tries to stanch a major rebel advance.

Syria's civil war has taken a dramatic turn, with dictator Bashar Assad once again leaning on Russian support after a shock offensive by Islamist rebels in Aleppo.

As Syrian and Russian jets continue pounding targets, two airstrikes hit a group of four hospitals and the health directorate building in Idlib city, according to the Syrian Civil Defense that operates in opposition-held areas,