Conflict

Russian Military in Syria

Incident Code

RS3595

Location

سجن ادلب المركزي, Idlib Central Prison, Idlib, Syria

Airwars Assessment

Last Updated: July 23, 2025

(Previous Incident Codes: R3396RS3605)

Local sources reported that two Russian planes launched eight raids on the city of Idlib, including residential areas. Baladi News reported that six airstrikes struck the central prison west of the city of Idlib causing the destructing of one of the buildings.

Multiple civilians including prisoners and prison staff were reported killed and wounded while a number of other prisoners managed to escape the prison. Activists’ posts on social networking sites showed dozens of prisoners fleeing the prison, some on foot and others with small trucks. The director of Al-Shaam said that among the prisoners who escaped from the prison were agents of the Syrian regime.

Orient News reported that nine civilians were killed and 45 civilians were wounded. The source claimed that dozens of prisoners escaped when one of the walls of the prison was struck.

Sky News put the civilian death toll higher at 13 people killed with 60 more wounded. Among the victims were six children. The source added that 100 prisoners escaped.

According to Edlib EMC, a total of 15 people were killed including five children, with 40 others wounded. It also did not specify how many of this number were civilians.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that 26 people had been killed including eight children under the age of 18, two women and and nine male prisoners.

According to the Shaam News Network, a staggering number of 50 detainees were killed of whom 14 were said to be civilians, including women and children.

All sources blamed Russia except thee Syrian Observatory for Human Rights who believed the airstrikes were conducted by the Syrian regime.

Key Information

Country
Military Actor
Strike Type
Airstrike
Strike Status
Likely strike
Civilian Harm Reported
Yes
Civilian Harm Status
Fair
Civilians reported killed
9–26
5–8 Children, 2 Women, 9 Men
Civilians reported injured
40–60

Military Statements

Russian Military Assessment
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Russian Military position on incident
Not yet assessed

Media from Sources (7)