Conflict

Russian Military in Syria

Incident Code

RS1538

Location

دارة عزة, Darat Izza, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.28247, 36.85216
Accuracy: Town

Airwars Assessment

Last Updated: July 23, 2025

(Previous Incident Codes: R1398RS1531)

Nine civilians were killed, including one woman with artillery and airstrikes which struck the town of Dara Izza. According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights,  Abu Bakr Al Sedeeq Mosque was the main target. The airstrikes ultimately rendered the mosque inoperable due to serous damage to both the exterior and interior.

Some sources only reported that around five civilians were injured, however others including the Shaam News Network put the numbers much higher at up to twenty-four. Syrian PC claimed that some of the wounded were in a serious condition.

All sources but two blamed Russian forces for the airstrikes and artillery used. @ZakariaNassani and @ShahbaPress tweeted that the Assad Regime were to blame.

@SYR_REV_NEWS reported that surface to surface missiles were used, yet the majority of sources reported the use of grenade propelled rocket launchers and other missiles.

Syrianpc reported the use of cluster bombs. Local sources Darerezzamedia and Thiqa Media posted videos of the parachute missiles descending and exploding in the town, causing massive clouds of smoke over the town.

Daretezzamedia posted another video of the aftermath of the airstrikes, which caused many buildings to collapse and led to a scramble of people to search the rubble for casualties and rescue survivors.

Victims

Family members (2)

Mohammad Khaled al Khatib
male civilian from Ratiyan named by HNN killed
Zeinab Mohammad al Khatib
female civilian from Ratiyan named by HNN killed

Individuals

Hamoud Kheiro
male civilian from Darat Izza named by HNN killed
Hassan Mohammad Illo
civilian from Darat Izza named by HNN killed
Mahmoud Khaled Kanjo
male civilian from Darat Izza named by HNN killed
Ibrahim Mohammed Hassana
male civilian from Darat Izza named by HNN killed
Dibla Bakro
female civilian from Darat Izza named by HNN killed
Unidentified civilian
killed
Unidentified civilian
killed

Key Information

Country
Military Actor
Civilian Harm Reported
Yes
Civilian Harm Status
Contested
Civilians reported killed
9
Civilians reported injured
3–24

Geolocation Notes

Reports of the incident mention the town of Darat Izza (دارة عزة), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.28247, 36.85216. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Military Statements

Russian Military Assessment
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Russian Military position on incident
Not yet assessed
Russian Military Strike Report
Russia has not reported any strikes between November 1st – 30th 2016.
Syrian Regime Assessment
Suspected belligerent
Syrian Regime
Syrian Regime position on incident
Not yet assessed

Media From Sources (11)