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

February 4, 2018

Incident Code

RS2975

LOCATION

معصران, Ma'asaran, Idlib, Syria

Up to seven civilians, including up to five children and one woman – possibly from the same family – were killed and several were wounded as Russian or Assad-waged airstrikes were launched in the village of Ma’asaran, Idlib, local media reported. In this incident, local sources reports’ spanned from one to as many as seven

Summary

First published
February 4, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 7
(1–5 children1 woman1 man)
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 4, 2018

Incident Code

RS2974

LOCATION

كفرنبل, Kafr Nabil, Idlib, Syria

Alleged Russian airstrikes killed up to nine civilians, including at least one child and one woman, and wounded up to ten more in the city of Kafr Nabil, local sources reported. The Syria Civil Defense, who were present on the scene following the incident, reported that the strike killed six and wounded more than ten.

Summary

First published
February 4, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Infrastructure
Healthcare
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 9
(1 child1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2–10
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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 4, 2018

Incident Code

RS2973

LOCATION

ادلب, Idlib, Syria

An alleged Russian airstrike, described as a “massacre”, hit a five-story building in Idlib, killing up to 12 civilians, including children and women, most from the same family and wounded as many as 25, local media reported. Euphrates Post described how “raids by Russian warplanes targeted the city by several air strikes, which led to the

Summary

First published
February 4, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 12
(5–6 children4–5 women)
Civilians reported injured
21–25
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 4, 2018

Incident Code

RS2972

LOCATION

التليل‎ ,سراقب, Al Talil neighbourhood, Saraqeb, Idlib, Syria

A chlorine gas assault in Saraqeb, Idlib by the Syrian regime – possibly with Russian support – wounded multiple civilians including children according to local reports, with most victims suffering breathing difficulties. The Syrian Network for Human Rights said that two barrel bombs were used in this attack. “At least 11 civilians, including three civil

Summary

First published
February 4, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
9–24
Cause of injury / death
Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN)
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
6 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 3, 2018

Incident Code

RS2969

LOCATION

سراقب, Saraqeb, Idlib, Syria

On February 3, 2018, up to five civilians were killed and several more were left wounded following alleged Russian or Syrian Regime airstrikes in Saraqeb, Idlib, local media reported. Saraqeb had reportedly been subject to several aerial attacks in the previous days and local activists told al-Araby that “the city is being burned by intensive

Summary

First published
February 3, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
Civilians reported injured
2
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 belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

February 3, 2018

Incident Code

RS2968

LOCATION

معصران, Ma'saran, Idlib, Syria

A family of seven; a father, a mother and five children, were killed and the sixth sibling was left seriously wounded, local media reported, following aerial shelling of Ma’saran, Idlib, though sources were unclear as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime was to blame. Most sources reported that the event had killed a family of

Summary

First published
February 3, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
(5 children1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
1
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
7 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 3, 2018

Incident Code

RS2971

LOCATION

كفر عميم, Kafr Amam, Idlib, Syria

An alleged Russian warplane carried out airstrikes in the village of Kafr Amam, Idlib, local media reported, which, according to one source, wounded three civilians. Several sources reported how the village of Kafr Amam was hit by, which all sources, identified, Russian forces. The Twitter account Shafii cited the local council who declared the village completely

Summary

First published
February 3, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

February 2, 2018

Incident Code

RS2967

LOCATION

كفر حلب, Kafr Halab, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Airstrikes and/or artillery shelling in Kafr Halap, Aleppo, killed two civilian men along with wounding several more, local media reported – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Assad regime were to blame. Two civilian men, identified by name, were reportedly killed by the assault in Kafr Halab. Jsirtv attributed blame to “aerial bombardment

Summary

First published
February 2, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
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
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 2, 2018

Incident Code

RS2966

LOCATION

حدية, Hadya, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

As many as seven civilians, including one child, were killed an up to “dozens” more were wounded, local media reported, following alleged Russia or Assad-waged airstrikes on a road near Hadya, Aleppo. Smart News Agency quoted activists who said that “warplanes likely to be Russian bombed vehicles on a road in the vicinity of Tal

Summary

First published
February 2, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 7
(1 child)
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
View Incident

Incident date

February 2, 2018

Incident Code

RS2965

LOCATION

جسر الشغور, Jisir Al-Shoghour, Idlib, Syria

Three civilians were wounded in the city of Jisr al-Shughour, Idlib, either due to airstrikes, carried out by Russia, or artillery attack, carried out by the Syrian regime, local media reported. Smart News Agency quoted activists who said that “warplanes likely to be Russian launched four raids on the city of Jisr al-Shughour”, leaving three

Summary

First published
February 2, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
3
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

February 2, 2018

Incident Code

RS2964

LOCATION

الغدفة, Al-Ghadafa, Idlib, Syria

One civilian was killed and several others injured as aerial and/or artillery shelling hit the town of Al-Ghadafa, Idlib, local media reported – though it was unclear how to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. Both Smart News Agency and Step News Agency reported that strikes believed to have been carried out

Summary

First published
February 2, 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, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

February 1, 2018

Incident Code

RS2963

LOCATION

كفرنبودة, Kafr Nbooda, Hama, Syria

Between five and 11 civilians, including children and one woman, were killed and at least three were seriously injured following alleged Russian airstrikes striking in Kafr Nbooda, Hama, local media reported. HalabTodayTV, who placed the death toll at eight, said that all eight fatalities were all from the same family, including three children, one woman

Summary

First published
February 1, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 11
(1–3 children1 woman4 men)
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
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 1, 2018

Incident Code

RS2962

LOCATION

الخواري, Al-Khawari, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

In this single-source event, Al Latamna Youth Group reported that alleged Russian warplanes carried out airstrikes in Al-Khawari, Aleppo, resulting in “martyrs and wounded civilians”. Currently, no further information is available.

Summary

First published
February 1, 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 belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

February 1, 2018

Incident Code

RS2961

LOCATION

تل النباريز, Tal Al Nabariz , Aleppo, Syria

In this single-source event, Smart News Agency reported that an alleged Russian airstrike caused “a number of wounded” as Tal Al Nabariz, Aleppo, was struck from the air. The report added that the Civil Defense members had been on the scene to help the wounded. There is currently no further information available.

Summary

First published
February 1, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
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 1, 2018

Incident Code

RS2960

LOCATION

اباد, Abad, Aleppo, Syria

Up to 12 civilians including children and one woman were killed and several more wounded, local media reported, following aerial shelling of Abad, Aleppo, allegedly carried out by Russia or the Syrian regime. According to local reports, at least five and as many as 12 civilians were killed in tjhe airstrike. The Syrian Network for

Summary

First published
February 1, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 12
(3 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 1, 2018

Incident Code

RS2959

LOCATION

جزرايا, Jazraya, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Between five and eight civilians, including children and women, were killed and several were left injured following airstrikes and/or artillery shelling in Jazraya, Aleppo, local media reports, though the exact circumstances were unclear. Most sources reported that one family had been killed, including one man, one woman and three to five children, though sources varied

Summary

First published
February 1, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 8
(3–5 children1 woman1 man)
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 1, 2018

Incident Code

RS2958

LOCATION

الهوتة, al-Houta, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Three children were killed and another one was injured as remnants from a possible Russian-launched cluster bomb exploded in al-Houta, Aleppo, local media reported. HalabTodayTV’s correspondent reported “the death of three children in the town of Hoota rural southern Aleppo by a bomb explosion from the remnants of the previous shelling of the town.” The

Summary

First published
February 1, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(3 children)
Civilians reported injured
1
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
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 1, 2018

Incident Code

RS2957

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

At least one civilian was injured following an airstrike and/or artillery shelling of Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, local media reported, though it was unclear who and what was to blame. Most sources reported that Russia had carried out airstrikes in the city, causing injuries among the civilians. One of the wounded was identified by name by

Summary

First published
February 1, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
1–2
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 1, 2018

Incident Code

RS2956

LOCATION

سراقب, Saraqib, Idlib, Syria

Up to five members of the Civil Defence were killed and several were left wounded, local media reported, following alleged Russian or Assad regime shelling of the Civil Defence Center in Saraqib, Idlib. Several local media reported that the Civil Defence Center had been struck, described by the Civil Defences’ Twitter as “heavy shelling”. The

Summary

First published
February 1, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
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

February 1, 2018

Incident Code

RS2955

LOCATION

سراقب, Saraqeb, Idlib, Syria

Between three and six civilians, including one family, was killed and several were wounded as Russian or Assad-waged warplanes carried out airstrikes in the city of Saraqeb, Idlib, local media reported. In this incident, described as “a massacre in the heart of the city” by al-Modon, civilian harm reports varied slightly, spanning from three to

Summary

First published
February 1, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 6
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
2–4
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 1, 2018

Incident Code

RS2954

LOCATION

معرشورين, Ma'ar Shoreen, Idlib, Syria

Alleged Russian airstrikes wounded two civilians in the city of Ma’ar Shoreen, Idlib, local media reported. Orient News reported was among sources reporting that a strike on “the road between Ma’ar Shoreen and Ma’ar Shamsha” resulted in the injury of two civilians. All known sources pointed to Russia as the culprit.

Summary

First published
February 1, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
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

January 31, 2018

Incident Code

RS2953

LOCATION

سراقب, Saraqeb, Idlib, Syria

A mother and her daughter were burned to death in an airstrike which hit Saraqeb, according to local media. Sources blamed both the Syrian regime and Russian warplanes for the raids. Smart News reported that “More than 18 Russian warplanes and helicopters launched heavy raids on areas east of the town of Sarakib (16 km

Summary

First published
January 31, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 woman)
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

January 31, 2018

Incident Code

RS2952

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

One civilian was wounded in airstrikes which hit Khan Sheikhoun, according to local media. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, attributing blame to both the Syrian regime and Russia – who were both bombing the vicinity at this time. According to @MasarPressNet, “Russian warplanes targeting the towns of Khan Sheikhun, Tantah and

Summary

First published
January 31, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
Civilians reported injured
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

January 30, 2018

Incident Code

RS2951

LOCATION

حران, Harran, Idlib, Syria

An unspecified number of civilians were wounded in airstrikes which hit Harran, according to local media. Although no sources blamed the Syrian regime, all attributing blame to Russia, Baladi news Network reported that “The Russian and Syrian air force planes and helicopters launched a series of rocket, napalm and barrel attacks Explosive since dawn today

Summary

First published
January 30, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Infrastructure
Healthcare
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
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

January 30, 2018

Incident Code

RS2950

LOCATION

كفرزيتا, Kafr Zeita, Hama, Syria

An unspecified number of civilians were wounded in airstrikes on Kafr Zeita, according to local media. Sources all attributed the blame to Russia. According to sources such as Al Latamna youth group, the raids struck a hospital, wounding patients at the vicinity. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
January 30, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
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

January 30, 2018

Incident Code

RS2949

LOCATION

البوابية, Al-Bawabiya, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

An entire family of five were killed, and ten others were injured in airstrikes which hit the village of Al-Bawabiya, Aleppo, according to local media. Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids. The family were buried alive when the raid struck their homes. Images and footage show the extent of devastation

Summary

First published
January 30, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 5
(2 children1 woman3 men)
Civilians reported injured
10
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
View Incident

Incident date

January 30, 2018

Incident Code

RS2948

LOCATION

سراقب, Saraqeb, Idlib, Syria

A civilian was killed and an unspecified number more were wounded, due to airstrikes in Saraqeb, according to local media. Sources blamed Russian warplanes for the raids. Heavy machine guns and missiles caused much material damage to civilian homes, one source reported. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
January 30, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
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

January 30, 2018

Incident Code

RS2947

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

As many as 12 civilians were wounded in airstrikes which struck residential housing in Khan Sheikhoun, according to local media. Sources blamed both the Syrian regime and Russia for the raids. Media reported that five civilians were buried alive under the rubble, and other seven were harmed in the streets by the same raids. Upsetting

Summary

First published
January 30, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
Civilians reported injured
12
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

January 30, 2018

Incident Code

RS2946

LOCATION

اريحا, Ariha, Idlib, Syria

In what has been described by local media as a massacre, as many as 15 civilians were killed and dozens more were wounded in airstrikes on Souq Al Hal (markets) in Ariha. Sources blamed both the Syrian regime and Russia for the raids. Sources differed when reporting on the number of civilian deaths, with Syrian

Summary

First published
January 30, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 15
(2 children1 woman8 men)
Civilians reported injured
18–24
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
9 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 29, 2018

Incident Code

RS2941

LOCATION

سراقب, Saraqeb, Idlib, Syria

In the first out of a series of three intensive raids in Idlib on the 29th, as many as 14 civilians were killed, and up to 25 were injured, in an attack on a potato market, according to local media. Sources blamed both the Syrian regime and Russia for these strikes. Euphrates Post reported that

Summary

First published
January 29, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 14
(1 woman2–13 men)
Civilians reported injured
10–25
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
15 named
View Incident