Is this the most effective way to get rid of a group of "rag tag petty criminals and outlaws" (sayings of Assad, his media machine and his regime)? Or is this the effort to surpress the people from speaking out against the regime?

How accurate is Soviet-era artillery really? And how come are they shooting a shell every 10 seconds? What exactly are they aiming for? It must be something really threathening to the imminent security of the regime judging from the area of effect where these shels randomly fall.

Again the question, is this the most effective way to pursue "criminals"?
Is the level of force proportionate and if yes, could you yourself imagine this in your own city by your own government?