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)

Belligerent
Russian Military
Country
Syria
start date
end date
Civilian Harm Status
Belligerent Assessment
Declassified Documents
Infrastructure
text search
4807 Results
sort by:
Sort by:
Incident date
Civilian deaths alleged
Civilian deaths confirmed by belligerent

Incident Code

RS2847

Incident date

January 3, 2018

Location

العنز, Al-Anz, Hama, Syria

Geolocation

35.260291, 37.020502 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two civilians were wounded in airstrikes which struck the vicinity of Al-Anz. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame.

Elaph News blamed both the Syrian regime and Russia, reported that civilians were wounded in strikes on the towns of Latamna, Murk, Shakuzia, Rihan and Anz.

Smart News specified that two civilians were injured – and blamed Russia.

Alalam reported that “a number of terrorist supporters were killed in the vicinity of the town of Har itself and Anz.” They did not report of civilian harm.

Step News agency – who blamed the Syrian regime – reported that missiles injured civilians.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • 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 attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (4) [ 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
    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 attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS2838

Incident date

January 2, 2018

Location

اورم الجوز, Urme Al-Jooz, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

35.790833, 36.565833 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One man was killed, and as many as five civilians were injured  – including a woman – in airstrikes on Urme Al-Jooz, local sources reported. Only two sources blamed Russian raids, while the others did not attribute blame.

Footage published shows fires engulfing infrastructure. The Syrian Civil Defence wrestled to put out the flames. Local media added that civilians were trapped under the rubble.

Step News – who blamed Russia – reported that the aerial bombardment consisted of rockets.

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
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–5
  • 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 (6) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Members of the Syrian Civil Defence wrestle to put out flames in the aftermath of airstrikes on Urme Al-Jooz, 2nd January 2018. (via Syrian Civil Defence)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Urme Al-Jooz, 2nd January 2018. (via @Halap today)

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.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–5
  • 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 (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS2839

Incident date

January 2, 2018

Location

اورم الكبرى, Urme Al-Kobra, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

36.147179, 36.9367003 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A single source reported that civilians were “killed and wounded by raids of warplanes are likely to be Russian on the town of Urme Al-Kubra south Idlib”.

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
    1–2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (1) [ 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.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 2
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS2834

Incident date

January 2, 2018

Location

خان السبل, Khan Al-Subul, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

35.753927, 36.770468 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local media reported a “massacre” whereby as many and seven civilians died and dozens more were wounded in Khan Al-Subul. Most sources blamed Russia, however some blamed the Syrian regime. A number of sources reported sighting warplanes but did not identify them.

The warplanes struck residential homes, according to local media, with seven consecutive raids, leaving an entire displaced family trapped under the rubble.

There were many wounded, including women and children, with members of the Syrian Civil Defence pulling victims and wounded from the rubble for hours after the incident due to the scale of destruction.

The wounded were, according to the Civil Defence, transported to local medical facilities.

Some sources specified the numbers of wounded, however others simply mentioned “dozens”. It is unclear how many civilians were wounded in the strikes.

One source showed a graphic image of a 40-day-old victim. Other images published showed dead children and wounded civilians.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 7
  • (4–5 children1–3 women1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    10–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Russian Military

Sources (22) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (8) [ collapse]

  • Fires in the immediate aftermath of airstrikes on Khan Al-Subul, 2nd January 2018. (via Revolutionary Forces of Syria Media Office)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child killed in airstrikes on Khan Al-Subul, 2nd January 2018. (via @Halfaya)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A 40 day old baby killed in airstrikes on Khan Al-Subul, 2nd January 2018. (via @jabalybaraa)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Khan Al-Subul, 2nd January 2018. (via @Syriacivildefe)
  • Members of the Civil Defence search for victims in the aftermath of airstrikes on Khan Al-Subul, 2nd January 2018. (via @Syriacivildefe)
  • Members of the Civil Defence search for victims in the aftermath of airstrikes on Khan Al-Subul, 2nd January 2018. (via @Syriacivildefe)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child killed in airstrikes on Khan Al-Subul, 2nd January 2018. (via @Hadialabdalla)
  • An injured child in the aftermath of airstrikes on Khan Al-Subul, 2nd January 2018. (via Aswat-sy)

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.”

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 7
  • (4–5 children1–3 women1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    10–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Russian Military

Sources (22) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS2840

Incident date

January 2, 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

One was killed and several civilians were wounded – including women and children – in a continuous air and artillery bombardment which hit the residential neighbourhood of Arbeen, local media reported. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. Many blamed Russia, some blamed the Syrian regime and others remained impartial.

@syriahr – who blamed Russia – put the number of wounded at 17, while Alghadsouri reported that one civilian was killed.

Civilian deaths were reported by Syrian Press Centre who added that “The cities of Arbeen and Madera were shelled overnight and were hit by an air strike that resulted in the death of two people and the injury of many in an initial toll.” It is unclear where the victims died.

The Civil Defence teams distributed many wounded to medical centres.

Additionally there was “extensive destruction in the targeted buildings and two fires, caused by five air strikes by Russian warplanes targeting residential areas in the city.”

@bassam-jaara reported that Arbeen was struck with 16 raids. Shaam put the figure as high as 30 raids.

Surface-to-surface missiles were also reportedly used in the bombardment.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–17
  • 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 (19) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Civilians are rescued from the rubble in the aftermath of airstrikes on Arbeen, 2nd January 2018. (via Syrian Civil Defence)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    An injured man is rescued from the rubble and taken to hospital in the aftermath of airstrikes on Arbeen, 2nd January 2018. (via Orient)
  • The exact moments Damascus is targeted by warplanes, 2nd January 2018. (via Umoerbeen1)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Arbeen, 2nd January 2018. (via @syrian-coalition)

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
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–17
  • 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 (19) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS2835

Incident date

January 2, 2018

Location

التح, Al-Tah, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

35.539525, 36.725383 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two children were reportedly wounded in airstrikes conducted in Al-Tah. Most sources said  that Russian warplanes were to blame for the raids. There were no reports of civilian deaths.

Baladi News did not report on civilian harm, stating only that “Russian warplanes launched dozens of intensive raids on several cities and towns of the southern and eastern Idlib villages targeting both Ma’arat al-Nu’man and its environs, the towns of al-Tah”

@syriancivildefe and the Step News Agency said that two children were wounded in the raid.

Two rockets were allegedly fired by warplanes, “targeting the houses of civilians in al-Tah in southern Idlib”. @syriancivildefe , did not attribute blame.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • 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 attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Wounded children rescued by members of the Civil Defence in the aftermath of airstrikes on Al-Tah, 2nd January 2018. (via @syriancivildefe)

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.”

Summary

  • 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 attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS2836

Incident date

January 2, 2018

Location

الهيمانية, Al-Haymaniya, Hama, Syria

Geolocation

35.491667, 37.255278 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A young man was killed by airstrikes which raided the village of Al-Haymaniya in Hama. Sources either blamed Russia or did not attribute blame.

A number of civilians were reportedly injured however local media did not specify how many.

According to Baladi, “Russian warplanes launched air raids with high-explosive missiles on the village of Haymaneya belonging to Hamra district in the eastern countryside of Hama, which resulted in the martyrdom of the young Sami Hussein Hassan from the village of Jab al-wheat and wounding others.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Sami Hussein al-Hassan
Adult male from the village of Jab al-Hatta killed

Summary

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

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • The moment an airstrike hit Al-Haymaniya, 2nd January 2018. (via Manahi Alahmed)

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.”

Summary

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

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS2837

Incident date

January 2, 2018

Location

سراقب, Saraqeb, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

35.859101, 36.797731 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A bakery was hit with alleged Russian warplanes, causing the death of one civilian and the injury of another in Saraqeb. Most sources reported that Russian warplanes were to blame for the raids. DCHRS however reported that a civilian was “was shot by unknown source”.

The bakery was reportedly rendered out of use, and there were huge fires. Alquds News suggested the use of burning napalm by Russian warplanes. They were the only source to report this.

The “intensive raids” also struck “Ma’arat al-Nu’man and its environs, the towns of Taha, the outskirts of Khan Yunis, and the outskirts of Khan Shaykhoun, and Talmans, the vicinity of the town of Saraqeb and the vicinity of Ma’asran.”

There are no other details at this time.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Unknown man
Adult male killed

Summary

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

Sources (7) [ 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.”

Unknown Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Unknown
  • Unknown position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

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

Sources (7) [ collapse]