The UN investigative committee determined that the Russians bombed civilian targets, including hospitals and schools, and expelled hundreds of thousands from their homes

• Bombings in Idlib, Syria // Photo: AFP

A United Nations Special Investigation Commission report released Tuesday states that Russia took part in war crimes during its involvement in Syria's civil war.

The report, published by the Syria Special Investigation Commission, states that the Russian Air Force deliberately bombed civilian targets, hospitals and schools, and took part in a military campaign that led to the deportation of 700,000 people from their homes.

The report described cases in which Russian planes returned to bomb a target that had already been hit, with the aim of injuring the rescue forces.

Meanwhile, Russian fighter jets today launched a series of bombings on the rebel targets in Idlib province, with the aim of assisting forces in the region's advanced Assad regime, despite the Turkish bombings against them. The Russians bombed targets near the town of Sarkiv and the town of Parnival.

Syrian refugees on their way to the border with Turkey // Photo: AFP

In addition, severe air fights took place over the Idlib district sky when a Turkish fighter jet was first intercepted by the Assad regime's air defense systems. In response, Turkish planes dropped an Assad army training aircraft, converted for bombing, a Model L-39.

This is a significant escalation two days before an expected meeting between Turkish President Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin. While negotiations between rulers over the fate of the northern province of Syria continue, both the rebels and the Assad army are striving for territorial achievements to serve them in the event of a ceasefire or a series between the Turks and the Russians.