Syria: Shells hit Russian embassy in Damascus July 16

Event

Syrian media sources announced that mortar shells hit the Russian embassy compound in Damascus on Sunday, July 14. No casualties were reported, however buildings within the compound were damaged. Shelling in other parts of the city wounded seven people.

The attack came shortly after a bomb exploded near a hospital in Idlib, wounding five people.

Context

Russia is a strong supporter of the government of Bashar al-Assad and has provided military aid to the Assad regime since Russia's initial intervention in the Syrian civil war in September 2015.  The six-year civil war between the Assad regime and opposition forces began in March 2011. Today, the conflict in Syria involves many parties, including the Syrian, Iranian, Turkish, and Russian governments, the United States-led coalition, and various armed groups.

Advice

Due to extremely poor security conditions, Western governments generally advise against all travel to Syria, with some countries banning travel to the country. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to any travel to Syria.