International coalition urge Russia to stop bombing Syria over fears of civilian deaths; Putin, Hollande had 1h15-minute conversation over Syria

The US-led coalition against Islamic State (IS) urges Vladimir Putin's forces to 'immediately cease attacks on opposition and civilians' in Syria.

Russian officials dismissed reports of civilian casualties as 'information warfare' and insisted strikes are targeting extremists.

 Iraq said Russian intervention is a welcome development.

The US and members of the international coalition bombing Isis have urged Russia to stop attacking the Syrian opposition and expressed “deep concern” over its intervention.

This is contained in a joint statement issued by the Turkish Foreign Ministry with the U.S., Germany, Britain, France, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, on Friday.