Russian Military in Syria

A Russian combat aircraft at Khmeimim airbase in Syria being prepared for action. (Russian Ministry of Defence)

Belligerent
Russian Military
Country
Syria
start date
end date
Civilian Harm Status
Belligerent Assessment
Declassified Documents
Infrastructure

Incident date

March 1, 2018

Incident Code

RS3137

LOCATION

عربين, Arbeen, Damascus, Syria

Several civilians were left wounded following alleged Russian airstrikes in Arbeen, eastern Ghouta, Damascus, local sources reported. Douma.Revolution, who did not mention civilian harm reported: “since the morning, 12 warplanes have carried out air raids against the cities and towns of Douma, Arbeen, Kafratna, Hamuriya, Beit Siy, Jisreen, Ash’ari and Marj in the eastern Ghouta.”

Summary

First published
March 1, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

March 1, 2018

Incident Code

RS3136

LOCATION

المرج, al-Marj, Damascus, Syria

Up to five civilians were killed and up to “dozens” were wounded as airstrikes hit al-Marj, eastern Ghouta, Damascus, local media reported. Three of the victims, Saleh Mohammad Qadeesh, Mohamad Adnan Qadeesh and Nidhal Handhal al-Mehbash were reported by several sources, including Violations Documentation Center (VDC). One of the victims, Abdo Ahmed Hassoun, was only

Summary

First published
March 1, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
(4–5 men)
Civilians reported injured
2–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
5 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 1, 2018

Incident Code

RS3135

LOCATION

حمورية, Hamouriya, Damascus, Syria

Local sources reported the death of three civilian men in the town of Hamouriya, eastern Ghouta, Damascus, following airstrikes, either carried out by Russia, the Syrian regime or both. As a part of a larger aerial shelling of eastern Ghouta on March 1st, three civilians, identified by name, were killed in Hamouriya. However, it should

Summary

First published
March 1, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(3 men)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 1, 2018

Incident Code

RS3134

LOCATION

كفربطنا, Kafr Batna, Damascus, Syria

Three civilians, including a young girl, were killed and dozens were wounded in alleged Russian or regime airstrikes on the town of Kafr Batna, eastern Ghouta, Damascus, local media reported. @saqbani1972adam, who reported that the strikes hit residential areas, said that three were killed and “dozens” were left wounded. The three victims were identified by

Summary

First published
March 1, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(1 child2–3 men)
Civilians reported injured
2–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 1, 2018

Incident Code

RS3133

LOCATION

بيت سوى , Beit Sawa, Damascus, Syria

Three civilians were reportedly killed along with two wounded as Russian and/or Assad launched airstrikes and artillery shelling in the town of Beit Sawa, eastern Ghouta, Damascus, local media reported. All sources reported the death of three civilians. The Violations Documentation Centre (VDC) reported that the three victims were all adult men. Additionally, sources reported

Summary

First published
March 1, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Infrastructure
Education
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(3 men)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

March 1, 2018

Incident Code

RS3132

LOCATION

جسرين, Jisreen, Damascus, Syria

Warplanes, alleged to be Russian, wounded an unspecified number civilians as the town of Jisreen, Damascus, was struck with airstrikes. Only two known sources reported about this strike. Smart News Agency reported, “wounded civilians with aerial bombardment likely to be Russian on the towns of Jisreen and Beat Sawa and Kafar Batna east of Damascus.” Meanwhile,

Summary

First published
March 1, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

February 28, 2018

Incident Code

RS3131

LOCATION

زملكا, Zamalka, Damascus, Syria

A single source reported “heavy air raids by Russian warplanes on the cities of Harasta and Zamalka in the eastern Ghouta, resulting in the deaths and injuries of civilians”. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
February 28, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

February 28, 2018

Incident Code

RS3130

LOCATION

كفربطنا, Kafar Batna, Damascus, Syria

An unspecified number of civilians were killed and injured due to airstrikes in Kafar Batna, local media reported. Sources attributed blame to both Russia and the Syrian regime. Mass destruction was caused by heavy shelling. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
February 28, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

February 28, 2018

Incident Code

RS3129

LOCATION

الشيفونية, Al Shifonya, Damascus, Syria

An unspecified number of civilians were killed and injured due to airstrikes in Al Shifonya, local media reported. Sources attributed blame to both Russia and the Syrian regime. Mass destruction was caused by heavy shelling. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
February 28, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

February 28, 2018

Incident Code

RS3128

LOCATION

مسرابا, Mesraba, Damascus, Syria

An unspecified number of civilians were killed and injured due to airstrikes in Mesraba, local media reported. Sources attributed blame to both Russia and the Syrian regime. Mass destruction was caused by heavy shelling. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
February 28, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

February 28, 2018

Incident Code

RS3127

LOCATION

أوتايا, Otaya, Damascus, Syria

The head of the Syrian Civil Defence unit in al-Marj was killed whilst carrying out operations, local media reported. Sources blamed the Syrian – Russian alliance for the strikes. LCCSY reported there were heavy raids on the vicinity. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
February 28, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 28, 2018

Incident Code

RS3126

LOCATION

حرستا, Harasta, Damascus, Syria

A child and another civilian were killed and others were wounded in airstrikes on Harasta, local media reported. Sources blame Russian and Syrian regime raids for the strikes. There were as many as 32 raids, with heavy shelling on the residential vicinity. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
February 28, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 28, 2018

Incident Code

RS3125

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

As many as eight civilians were killed and others were wounded in air and artillery strikes on Douma, local media reported. Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids. A child was amongst those killed, as well as one unidentified body. Four others are named. Rockets and barrel bombs were launched into

Summary

First published
February 28, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 8
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 28, 2018

Incident Code

RS3124

LOCATION

بيت سوى, Beit Sawa, Damascus, Syria

Three civilians were killed and others were injured in airstrikes on Beit Sawa, local media reported. Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime. The house of ‘Asi’ was reportedly struck by alleged Russian warplanes. Two victims were named and one unidentified civilian was named. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
February 28, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 28, 2018

Incident Code

RS3123

LOCATION

الشيفونية, Al Shifonya, Damascus, Syria

Between three and six civilians were killed in an alleged napalm bomb attack on Al Shifonya, local media reported. Civilians blamed Russian warplanes for the raids. Members of the Syrian Civi Defence confined that “chloride gas” was used on the vicinity. Most other reports suggest it was napalm which resulted in the charring of bodies

Summary

First published
February 28, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 6
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 27, 2018

Incident Code

RS3122

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

Between two and four civilians were killed and others were injured in air and artillery strikes on Douma, local media reported. Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids. Sources reported that there were both rocket launchers and artillery shelling on the residential neighbourhood. Alaraby reported that “the regime renewed it’s shelling

Summary

First published
February 27, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 26, 2018

Incident Code

RS3121

LOCATION

اوتايا, Otaya, Damascus, Syria

One child was killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Otaya, local media reported. All sources attributed the blame to Russian warplanes. Members of the Syrian Civil Defence were seen to be rescuing victims from the rubble. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
February 26, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

March 25, 2018

Incident Code

RS3117

LOCATION

اوتيا, Otaya, Damascus, Syria

A single source reported that an unspecified number of civilians were killed and wounded in air and artillery strikes on Otaya, local media reported. The source blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids. Activists said the “raids were accompanied by rocket and artillery bombardment and the explosive barrel of the regime’s forces.”

Summary

First published
February 25, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

March 25, 2018

Incident Code

RS3116

LOCATION

مديرا, Madera, Damascus, Syria

A single source reported that an unspecified number of civilians were killed and wounded in air and artillery strikes on Madera, local media reported. The source blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids. Activists said the “raids were accompanied by rocket and artillery bombardment and the explosive barrel of the regime’s forces.”

Summary

First published
February 25, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

February 25, 2018

Incident Code

RS3115

LOCATION

حمورية, Hamouriya, Damascus, Syria

Between one and seven civilians were killed and dozens more were wounded, in air and artillery strikes on Hamouriya, local media reported. Media blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids. There were as many as four artillery shells which struck the residential town, killing at least one woman and one child. There

Summary

First published
February 25, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 7
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

February 25, 2018

Incident Code

RS3114

LOCATION

مسرابا, Mesraba, Damascus, Syria

An unspecified number of civilians were killed and wounded in air and artillery strikes on Mesraba, local media reported. Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids. Sources reported that the strikes caused mass destruction on civilian property. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
February 25, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

March 25, 2018

Incident Code

RS3113

LOCATION

حوش الصالحية, Hawsh Al Salihya, Damascus, Syria

A single source reported that an unspecific number of civilians were killed and wounded in air and artillery strikes on Hawsh Al Salihya, local media reported. The source blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids. Activists said the “raids were accompanied by rocket and artillery bombardment and the explosive barrel of the

Summary

First published
February 25, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

February 25, 2018

Incident Code

RS3112

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

Two children and their mother were killed in air and artillery strikes on Douma, according to local media. Sources blamed both Russian warplanes and the Syrian regime for the raids. The vicinity was struck with land to land missiles and heavy artillery shelling. Images show the extent of destruction to property. There are no more details

Summary

First published
February 25, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike, Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

February 25, 2018

Incident Code

RS3120

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

Between 11 and 19 civilians were killed, and dozens were wounded in airstrikes on Douma, local media reported. Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids. According to Baraa, 11 people from one family were killed when a guided missile struck their home. There was reportedly continuous shelling on the vicinity throughout

Summary

First published
February 25, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
11 – 19
(0–2 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

February 25, 2018

Incident Code

RS3119

LOCATION

حزة, Hazza, Damascus, Syria

Three civilians were killed, including a woman, and others were injured in air and artillery strikes on Hazza, local media reported. Sources blamed the Syrian and Russian alliance for the raids. Syrian Coalition reported that members of the “Syrian defence forces [were] working to rescue civilians in the city [due to] missiles, as part of

Summary

First published
February 25, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

February 25, 2018

Incident Code

RS3118

LOCATION

الشيفونية, Al Shifonya, Damascus, Syria

A child was killed and 20 civilians were injured due to a chloride gas attack on Al Shifonya, local media reported. Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids. The injured all suffocated due to the internationally banned chloride gas. Members of the Syrian Civil Defence were also reportedly injured in the

Summary

First published
February 25, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
20
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

February 25, 2018

Incident Code

RS3111

LOCATION

حوش الضواهرة, Hawsh Al Dawahra, Damascus, Syria

Five civilians were killed and more than 15 were wounded in airstrikes on Hawsh Al Dawahra, according to local media. Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids. Wesal reported that there was an “Aerial bombardment of a residential neighbourhood, leaving 5 martyrs and more than 15 wounded, mostly women and children

Summary

First published
February 25, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
Civilians reported injured
15
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

February 25, 2018

Incident Code

RS3110

LOCATION

بيت سوى, Beat Sawa, Damascus, Syria

One civilian was killed and others were wounded in airstrikes on the residential neighbourhood of Beat Sawa, local media reported. Only one source blamed Russian warplanes targeting the vicinity. The others blamed military warplanes. There are no other details at this time.  

Summary

First published
February 25, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

February 25, 2018

Incident Code

RS3109

LOCATION

سقبا, Saqba, Damascus, Syria

Between one and two civilians were killed, and an unspecific number of others were wounded, in airstrikes on Saqba, local media reported. Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids. Ghouta Media Centre tweeted about the “mass destruction” caused by Russian warplanes to the residential neighbourhood. They also published images. There are

Summary

First published
February 25, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

February 24, 2018

Incident Code

RS3105

LOCATION

أوتايا, Otaya, Damascus, Syria

Russian and/or Assad-waged shelling potentially resulted in civilian harm, as the town of Otaya, eastern Ghouta, Damascus, was struck by both airstrikes, explosive barrels and artillery, local media reported. Besides from reports of airstrikes and artillery shelling, both Oday Hussein and Homam al-Hassan, reported how the town also was stuck by explosive barrels, launched from helicopters.

Summary

First published
February 24, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident