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

RS2854

Incident date

January 6, 2018

Location

مديرا , Madyra, Damascus, Syria

Geolocation

33.544613, 36.3861 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One or two civilians died and several more were wounded in an alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrike on Madyra in Damascus, according to local media.

Syrian Reporter and Alghad-alsoury put the death toll at two.

According to Shaam, “Al-Assad and Russian planes targeted civilian houses deliberately and directly in the eastern towns and villages of Al-Ghouta early morning [Jan 6th]”.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Mahmoud Hussein Rihan
Adult male VDC blamed "Syrian government and its affiliated militias" killed

Summary

  • 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 attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (14) [ 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

  • 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 attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (14) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS2857

Incident date

January 6, 2018

Location

كفريا, Kafraya, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

35.9890135, 36.6677284 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between two and three civilians were killed, and others were wounded, in air and artillery strikes which hit the town of Kafraya in Idlib. Sources mostly blamed the Syrian regime, however Shaam News Network blamed both the Syrian regime and Russia for the raids.

According to sources, 120 rockets were used to strike the vicinity, causing large amounts of destruction.

Baladi News reported that missiles were used in the raid, however Shaam blamed a “heavy rocket attack”.

Surrounding towns and villages were also damaged in the raid, according to local media.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 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 attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (7) [ 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 type
    Airstrike, Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 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 attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS2850

Incident date

January 5, 2018

Location

الغدقة , al Ghadka, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

35.676124, 36.795187 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One or two civilians including a child died in an alleged Russian or regime airstrike on al Ghadka, local media reported.

According to @shahed-alep, “two were killed and wounded as a result of helicopters targeting the town of al Ghardka in the countryside of Idlib”.

Sources named Taj al- Din al- Othman Madani, an adult male, as killed.

Additionally, Damascus Center for Human Rights Studies listed one unidentified child as killed in an “indiscriminate bombardment” by Russia.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Taj al- Din al- Othman Madani
Adult male VDC blamed "Air bombardment of the Syrian government and its affiliated militias" killed

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 2
  • (1 child1 man)
  • 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 attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

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 type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 2
  • (1 child1 man)
  • 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 attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS2851

Incident date

January 5, 2018

Location

عربين, Arbeen, Damascus, Syria

Geolocation

33.538143, 36.364331 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Three civilians were killed and dozens more were wounded in air and artillery strikes which hit Arbeen, local media reported. Sources blamed both the Syrian regime and Russia for the raids.

Baladi News was the only source to specify that three civilians were killed.

According to the Smart News Agency, an entire family was killed which led to the local council of Arbeen putting pressure on the international community to end Russian impunities, however no other source reported this.

As many as 70 raids were allegedly “targeted” at Harasta and Arbeen throughout the week, according to Anapress. Another source added that “The cities of “Harasta” and “Arabeen” on Thursday [received] more than 60 land-to-land missiles and more than 300 shells”.

Alsouriya News added that “Russian air force intensified its strikes on residential neighbourhoods targeting the towns of Hamuriya, Madera and the Arbeen and Harsta and Masara several raids, causing extensive destruction and a number of victims.”

Members of the Civil Defence took victims to a medical facility to receive treatment.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • 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 attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (13) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Arbeen, 5th Jan 2018. (via Zamanalwasl)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Civilians in a medical facility reviving treatment in the aftermath of airstrikes on Arbeen, 5th Jan 2018. (via U.M.O erbeen)
  • Civilians in a medical facility reviving treatment in the aftermath of airstrikes on Arbeen, 5th Jan 2018. (via SCDrifdimashq)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military
Official source

In an article published on January 30th 2018 Russia reported: ”crews of the Aerospace Forces of Russia had successfully performed 34,561 sorties. The Minister of Defence pointed out that the Tu-22M3 long-range bombers, as well as the Su-24M, Su-34 and Su-35S short-range aircraft had proved to be efficient. The Tu-160 and Tu-95MS strategic bombers delivered 66 strikes by cruise missiles, and each eliminated the assigned target. The Minister of Defence also stated that Russian UAVs provided complete control over the whole Syrian territory. The head of the military department paid attention to the significant contribution to the achievement of the operation made by the Navy. The naval surface forces carried out 171 combat missions. The ships and submarines carried out 100 high-precision attacks with the Kalibr cruise missiles. For the first time, the aircraft carrier "Admiral of the Soviet Union Fleet Kuznetsov" participated in combat operations. Due to high professional skills of deck aircraft, 1,252 terrorist objects were eliminated.”

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • 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 attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (13) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS2849

Incident date

January 5, 2018

Location

مالحة, Malha, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

35.700000, 36.700000 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Province/governorate level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least one civilian was killed and others were wounded in airstrikes which struck Malha, according to local media. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, most attributing blame to Russia, while one source blamed the Syrian regime.

However, the Step News Agency blamed both belligerents. They did not report on any civilian harm. Additionally, they were the only source to attribute blame to the Syrian regime.

Alhayat News and Smart News – who both blamed Russia – reported on one civilian death.

There are no other details at this time.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • 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 attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (9) [ collapse]

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military
Official source

In an article published on January 30th 2018 Russia reported: ”crews of the Aerospace Forces of Russia had successfully performed 34,561 sorties. The Minister of Defence pointed out that the Tu-22M3 long-range bombers, as well as the Su-24M, Su-34 and Su-35S short-range aircraft had proved to be efficient. The Tu-160 and Tu-95MS strategic bombers delivered 66 strikes by cruise missiles, and each eliminated the assigned target. The Minister of Defence also stated that Russian UAVs provided complete control over the whole Syrian territory. The head of the military department paid attention to the significant contribution to the achievement of the operation made by the Navy. The naval surface forces carried out 171 combat missions. The ships and submarines carried out 100 high-precision attacks with the Kalibr cruise missiles. For the first time, the aircraft carrier "Admiral of the Soviet Union Fleet Kuznetsov" participated in combat operations. Due to high professional skills of deck aircraft, 1,252 terrorist objects were eliminated.”

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • 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 attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (9) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS2848

Incident date

January 5, 2018

Location

مسرابا, Masraba, Damascus, Syria

Geolocation

33.55027, 36.39659 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Warplanes struck the residential neighbourhood of Masraba, killing one man and wounding dozens of civilians, local media reported. Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime.

Dozens of civilians were allegedly injured, including two children and three women.

@Halap-today tweeted that the renewed Russian airstrikes hit Masraba, Madera and Irbid. They did not report on civilian harm.

France24 reported that residential were helping to pull victims from the rubble in the aftermath.

There were as many as 20 raids on the vicinity. The Smart News Agency specified that “three Russian military aircraft raids targeted the residential neighbourhoods”

One local source tweeted an image of a child’s shoe covered in blood from the scene of the raid.

Images show the Civil Defence evacuating victims from the scene.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Ali Shaaban
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    9–24
  • 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 (15) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (5) [ collapse]

  • A news bulletin reporting the aftermath of airstrikes in Masraba, 5th January 2018. (via France24)
  • The exact moment airstrikes struck Masraba, 5th January 2018. (via SCD)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Ali Shaaban, killed in airstrikes on Masraba, 5th January 2018. (via Douma revolution)
  • Civil Defence help vicitims in the aftermath of airstrikes on Masraba, 5th January 2018. (via SCDrifdimashq)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Civil Defence help vicitims in the aftermath of airstrikes on Masraba, 5th January 2018. (via SCDrifdimashq)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military
Official source

In an article published on January 30th 2018 Russia reported: ”crews of the Aerospace Forces of Russia had successfully performed 34,561 sorties. The Minister of Defence pointed out that the Tu-22M3 long-range bombers, as well as the Su-24M, Su-34 and Su-35S short-range aircraft had proved to be efficient. The Tu-160 and Tu-95MS strategic bombers delivered 66 strikes by cruise missiles, and each eliminated the assigned target. The Minister of Defence also stated that Russian UAVs provided complete control over the whole Syrian territory. The head of the military department paid attention to the significant contribution to the achievement of the operation made by the Navy. The naval surface forces carried out 171 combat missions. The ships and submarines carried out 100 high-precision attacks with the Kalibr cruise missiles. For the first time, the aircraft carrier "Admiral of the Soviet Union Fleet Kuznetsov" participated in combat operations. Due to high professional skills of deck aircraft, 1,252 terrorist objects were eliminated.”

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 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    9–24
  • 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 (15) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS2846

Incident date

January 3–4, 2018

Location

عربين , Arbeen, Damascus, Syria

Geolocation

33.538143, 36.364331 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

The Smart News Agency reported: “The Civil Defense in the countryside of Damascus said six civilians from one family, including two children and a woman, were killed and others injured, as a result of Russian raids overnight on residential neighborhoods in the city of Arbeen.”.

The Step News Agency also put the death toll at six and blamed Russia.

No further details are currently available.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6
  • (2 children1 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
  • Belligerents reported killed
    2

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6
  • (2 children1 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
  • Belligerents reported killed
    2

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS2842

Incident date

January 3, 2018

Location

مشفى السلام,, Ma'arat Nu'man - Al Salam hospital, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

35.6477913, 36.6591881 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

An alleged Russian ore regime airstrike hit Ma’arat Nu’man’s Al Salam hospital, killing up to five civilians including a newly born baby, according to sources on the ground.

RFS put the death toll at two with 10 more wounded.

Alquds blamed the regime, reporting that the hospital was put out of service, and that a man who was waiting for the birth of his child was killed. Step News Agency named the mad as Anas Khattab.

According to the Smart News Agency, “one of the raids  targeted the vicinity of Al Salam Hospital (a women’s and children’s hospital belonging to the Sams organization), rendering the hospital out of service. Activists shared a video clip showing the destruction of hospital furniture and buildings.”

Aams Arabic put the death toll at five, adding that the site was “the only children’s hospital in Ma’arat al-Nu’man and surrounding areas. It has been attacked three times in four days recently. It treats 8,000 to 9000 patients per month, and about 600-700 children are born there each month”.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Tal Firas Omar
One hour old years old female killed
Dr. Bashar Al-Yusuf
Adult male Reportedly suffered a fracture of the leg injured
Ghazwan Mahmoud Matar
Adult male killed
Anas Khattab
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian infrastructure
    Healthcare facility
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 5
  • (1 child)
  • 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 attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (26) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (5) [ collapse]

  • An image of Tal Firas Omar, who was reportedly just one hour old when she was killed in an airstrike on Ma'arat Nu'man's Al Salam hospital on Jan 3rd 2018.
  • The aftermath of a strike on Ma'arat Nu'man - Al Salam hospital, Jan 3rd 2018 (via Alquds)
  • The aftermath of a strike on Ma'arat Nu'man - Al Salam hospital, Jan 3rd 2018 (via Step)
  • Smoke billows from Al Salam hospital following an alleged Russian airstrike, jan 3rd 2018 (via Shaam)
  • A wounded man is treated for wounds sustained in a strike on Al Salam hospital Jan 3rd 2018 (via sams arabic)

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 type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian infrastructure
    Healthcare facility
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 5
  • (1 child)
  • 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 attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (26) [ collapse]