Russian Military in Syria

Russian Military in Syria

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

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Incident Code

RS2908

Incident date

January 17, 2018

Location

الحامدية, Al-Hamdiya, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

35.614779, 36.657085 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One civilian was killed, and an elderly man and child were reportedly injured, by alleged Russian warplanes in Al-Hamdiya, according to local media. All local media reported that Russian warplanes were to blame.

Orient News reported that there was material damage to civilian homes.

Footage shows members of the Syrian Civil Defence rescuing the wounded victims and transporting them to hospital in an ambulance.

Local media added that rockets were launched onto the vicinity.

There are no other details at this time.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • 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 attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Members of the Syrian Civil Defence collect wounded civilians in the aftermath of the raid, 17th Jan 2018. (via @SyriaCivilDefe)
  • The exact moment an airstrike hit the vicinity of Al-Hamdiya, 17th Jan 2018. (via @Hasan_Mustafa_)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • 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 attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS3777

Incident date

June 9, 2019

Location

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

Airwars assessment

Smart News Agency reported that one civilian was killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, on June 9th, 2019. Another source reported that a civilian was injured. Other sources blamed the Syrian regime for the airstrikes.

Smart News Agency reported that “the Russian air force launched several airstrikes targeting Khan Sheikhoun,” as well as on a number of other locations, on June 9th. According to the source, this resulted in the death of one civilian in Khan Sheikhoun.

According to @MasarPressNet, “a civilian was injured as a result of airstrikes by Assad’s forces on the city of Khan Sheikhoun in the southern countryside.”

@NagiNajjar reported that “the Russian occupation air forces targeted residential neighbourhoods in the city of Khan Sheikhoun, south of Idlib, with several airstrikes”, but did not report any civilian harm. @HalabTodayTV tweeted that the city had been targeted with four raids by Russian warplanes.

Syrian Civil Defence reported that its volunteer Bilal Al Salloum broke his leg while aiming to put out a fire in the aftermath of the strikes.

Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the attacks.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (5) [ collapse]

  • Translation: “The Russian occupation air forces target residential neighborhoods in the city of Khan Sheikhoun, south of Idlib, with several air strikes” (via @NagiNajjar).
  • Aftermath of alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Khan Sheikhoun on June 9th, 2019 (via @NagiNajjar).
  • Translation: “Renewed successive bombardment by Al- Assad warplanes targeting the city of Khan Sheikhoun and now, a squadron of helicopters loaded with barrel bombs took off from Hama airport at 3-21 ... by striking the female fighters who are in the air now. 2019/6/9” (via @Mnar18049738).
  • Translation: “Volunteer Bilal Al Salloum broke his leg while he and his team put out a fire that broke out in the city of Khan Sheikhoun as a result of an air strike from the warplanes” (via Syrian Civil Defence in Idlib).
  • Syrian Civil Defence volunteer Bilal Al Salloum broke his leg when putting out a fire in the aftermath of alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Khan Sheikhoun on June 9th, 2019 (via Syrian Civil Defence in Idlib).

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Syrian Regime Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Syrian Regime
  • Syrian Regime position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS572

Incident date

February 8, 2016

Location

تلبيسة, Talbisah, Homs, Syria

Geolocation

34.840505, 36.72922 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One woman, Fatima al-Yousef, was reported killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Talbiseh according to local sources.

The victim was also named by the Violations Documentation Center, Damascus Center for Human Rights and Talbisah Media Center.

According to Talbisah Media Center, “many” civilians were also injured and there was “huge” destruction to private property. It also published  a video showing a little girl who had been removed from the rubble.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Fatima al-Yousef
Age unknown female killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 woman)
  • 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 attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • The aftermath of a strike on Talbiseh, Feb 8th.

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military
Official source

From February 4th – February 11th, Russia reported: “In the course of the last week, February 4-11, aircraft of the Russian aviation group in the Syrian Arab Republic have performed 510 combat sorties engaging 1,888 terrorists’ objects in the provinces of Aleppo, Latakia, Hama, Deir ez-Zor, Daraa, Homs, Hasakah and Raqqah.” It added: “During air duty mission, Su-25 attack aircraft detected 3 hardware columns transporting militants, armament and munitions along the highway Al-Qaryatayn – Homs. The strike resulted in elimination of 9 heavy trucks with munitions and more than 40 militants.“

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 woman)
  • 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 attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS3830

Incident date

June 20, 2019

Location

ترملا, Tarmala, Idlib , Syria

Airwars assessment

One civilian was reported killed in airstrikes on Tarmala, Idlib, on June 20th.

Syria Civil Defense reported that “the cities and towns of liberated northern Syria are still under constant bombardment by the regime’s forces and their Russian allies,” listing a number of locations and casualties, among which the incident in Tarmala is reported.

Similarly, Shaam News named both Russian forces and the Syrian regime in reporting the attack, among others, citing “one martyr” in Tarmala.

No other information is known at this time.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Syrian Regime Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Syrian Regime
  • Syrian Regime position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS732

Incident date

March 13, 2016

Location

كفرنبل‎, Kafr Nabil, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

35.6152326, 36.560955 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One adult male civilian may have died in an airstrike on Kafr Nabil, according to two local sources.

The VDC listed Jameel al Ekel as a victim of a Russian strike but says the victim is from Kafr Nabil, and doesn’t state where he was killed. Fresh News reports the same victim killed  “in warplane shelling“, but does not say who was responsible.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Jameel al Ekel
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military
Official source

Russia has published no known record of strikes in Syria for March 1st to March 30th.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS861

Incident date

June 6, 2016

Location

حي العمال, Al Oummal (Deir ez-Zor), Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.3222686, 40.1443005 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One woman died and several other civilians were injured in an airstrike on Al Oummal in Deir ez-Zor, according to local sources – though it was unclear from reports whether this was the work of Russia or the Syrian regime.

Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently named one of the victims “following the insane Russian bombardments today.”

A second report also blamed Russia and said that one woman died.

Akhbaralan referred to “Russian and regime warplanes” carrying out raids on neighbourhoods in Deir ez-Zor, including Al Oummal.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Houriye al Khudar
Age unknown killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (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 attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military
Official source

Russia has not reported any strikes between June 1st – 31st 2016.

Syrian Regime Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Syrian Regime
  • Syrian Regime position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (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 attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS3896

Incident date

July 12, 2019

Location

حي القصور, Al Qosour , Idlib, Syria

Airwars assessment

Alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes with four rockets on Al-Qusoor neighborhood in the morning of July 12th led to the death of up to two civilians including a child and inuring 13 others. Local sources said the attack targeted and IDP shelter.

Syrian Network for Human Rights blamed the Syrian regime and reported that “Mohammad Rateb Melhem, from Homs governorate, was killed as Syrian regime fixed- wing warplanes fired missiles on al Qosour neighborhood in Idlib city”.

According to Step News, the victim was a child. However, circulated photos of the victim show a young man.

Syrian Civil Defense forces who were at the scene reported that “The son of Homs city “al-Hajj Rateb” today lost his second son by bombing the Russian occupation of the criminal city of Idlib and the rest of his family in the hospital. Any exam is bigger than this. Oh God, attach to his heart patience and solace”

The source added that 12 others were injured, whereas @IdlibPlus reported that “more than 10 civilians injured by the bombing of a SU24 fighter aircraft to the palaces of the city center of Idlib.”

The incident occured in the morning.

The victims were named as:

Mohammad Rateb Melhem محمد راتب ملحم
Child male killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 2
  • (1 child1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    10–13
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (23) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (23) [ collapse]

  • Al Qosour after it was struck by alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on July 12th (via Step News).
  • Al Qosour after it was struck by alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on July 12th (via Step News).
  • Al Qosour after it was struck by alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on July 12th (via Step News).
  • Al Qosour after it was struck by alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on July 12th (via Step News).
  • Victim of the alleged Russian or Syrian airstrike that struck Idlib city in the morning of July 12th (via Syrian Civil Defense).
  • Father of the victim of the alleged Russian or Syrian airstrike that struck Idlib city in the morning of July 12th (via Syrian Civil Defense).
  • Syrian Civil Defense volunteer at the scene after an alleged Russian or Syrian regime strike struck the Al-Qusour neighborhood in Idlib on July 12th (via @IdlibPlus).
  • Local residents at the scene after an alleged Russian or Syrian regime strike struck the Al-Qusour neighborhood in Idlib on July 12th (via @IdlibPlus).
  • Aftermath of an alleged Russian or Syrian regime strike struck the Al-Qusour neighborhood in Idlib on July 12th (via @IdlibPlus).
  • Aftermath of an alleged Russian or Syrian regime strike struck the Al-Qusour neighborhood in Idlib on July 12th (via @IdlibPlus).
  • Syrian Civil Defense volunteers at the scene after an alleged Russian or Syrian regime strike struck the Al-Qusour neighborhood in Idlib on July 12th (via @IdlibPlus).
  • Video showing the aftermath of an alleged Russian or Syrian regime strike on Idlib city on July 12th (via @IdlibPlus).
  • The neighborhood of Al Qousour in the city of Idlib after it was allegedly struck with with four rockets at the same time on July 13th (via Macro Media Center).
  • The neighborhood of Al Qousour in the city of Idlib after it was allegedly struck with with four rockets at the same time on July 13th (via Macro Media Center).
  • The neighborhood of Al Qousour in the city of Idlib after it was allegedly struck with with four rockets at the same time on July 13th (via Macro Media Center).
  • The neighborhood of Al Qousour in the city of Idlib after it was allegedly struck with with four rockets at the same time on July 13th (via Macro Media Center).
  • The neighborhood of Al Qousour in the city of Idlib after it was allegedly struck with with four rockets at the same time on July 13th (via Macro Media Center).
  • Translation: "Martyrs and wounded as a result of the warplanes targeting the Al-Qusour neighborhood in Idlib governorate, with an air strike."
  • Translation; Aftermath of the bombing on the Al-Qusour neighborhood in Idlib today.
  • Aftermath of alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Al-Qosour in Idlib. (via @brocarpress)
  • Aftermath of alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Al-Qosour in Idlib. (via @brocarpress)
  • Aftermath of alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Al-Qosour in Idlib. (via @brocarpress)
  • Aftermath of alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Al-Qosour in Idlib. (via @brocarpress)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Syrian Regime Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Syrian Regime
  • Syrian Regime position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 2
  • (1 child1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    10–13
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (23) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1487 RS2446

Incident date

September 14, 2017

Location

مراط, Mrat, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.31407, 40.23865 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One civilian died in an airstrike on Mrat, according to local media – though it was unclear who was to blame for this death.

According to Syrianoor, “Activists confirmed that more than 100 civilians – mostly children and women – died during four massacres committed by Russian warplanes and international coalition aircraft in the city of Mayadeen, Baqrass, Baqara, Tabiah Shameya, Khasham, Basira and Marat.”

Euphrates Post also pointed towards Russia. But other sources didn’t identify the warplanes responsible. They said, however, that the victim had died when his home was struck.

Later reports described locals fleeing a regime offensive on the village – making this highly unlikely to have been a Coalition action.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Mr. Jassem al-Ajil
Adult male killed

Summary

  • 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 attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Jassem Al-Ajeel (Abo Mohamad), killed in a strike on his home in Mrat, Sept 14th (via Hussin Abo Haidar)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Mrat (مراط), for which the coordinates are: 35.31407, 40.23865. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For September 13th-14th, the Coalition reported: “Near Dayr Az Zawr, nine strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units and destroyed two tactical vehicles, an ISIS fuel station and a fighting position.”

For September 14th - 15th, the Coalition reported: "Near Dayr Az Zawr, two strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed two vehicles". It later reported, "On Sept. 14, near Dayr Az Zawr, Syria six strikes destroyed an ISIS UAS, a fighting position, an ISIS supply route and suppressed three fighting positions"

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

‘Friday 15 September – a Reaper supported coalition airstrikes near Dayr az Zawr, and delivered two attacks itself against extremists in the open, whilst Typhoons destroyed a Daesh-held building… On Friday 15 September, a Reaper was again very active north-east of Dayr az Zawr; it provided support to coalition airstrikes which destroyed three Daesh-held buildings, then conducted two attacks on its own account with Hellfire missiles against terrorists moving through the area. Nearby, a Typhoon flight bombed a further Daesh-held building.’

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • 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 attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military

Sources (10) [ collapse]