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 Code

RS3290

Incident date

March 17, 2018

Location

حرستا, Harasta, Damascus, Syria

Geolocation

33.55869, 36.36515 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

The Local Coordination Committees of Syria reported “martyrs and wounded civilians in dozens of raids by Russian warplanes” in the city of Harasta on March 17th, 2018.

Other sources, such as @Step_Agency also reported Russian airstrikes in Harasta, but did not mention any killed or wounded civilians.

@SyriaTwitte wrote that “more than twenty Russian raids, including three cluster bombs” targeted civilians.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • 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]

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • 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

R3115

Incident date

March 20, 2018

Location

الميدان, Al Maydan, Damascus, Syria

Airwars assessment

The Local Coordination Committees of Syria (LCCSY) reported that one civilian was killed by alleged Russian or Syrian regime forces in the village of Al Maydan, Eastern Ghouta, Damascus governorate, on March 20th, 2018.

Currently, further information is unavailable to Airwars.

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
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (1) [ 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
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS3331

Incident date

March 23, 2018

Location

عين ترما, Ein Tarma, Damascus, Syria

Geolocation

33.51602, 36.35078 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Step Post Agency reported that Russian aircraft launched several air raids on the city of Ain Tarma, Eastern Ghouta, on March 23rd, 2018, resulting in dead and wounded civilians.

Step Agency posted on Facebook that “Russian aircraft launched several air raids targeting the cities of Douma, Arbin, Zamalka and Ain Tarma in Eastern Ghouta, resulting in the deaths of wounded.” It is unclear if and if so, how many, casualties fell in Ain Tarma.

Currently, further information is unavailable to Airwars.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Single source claim
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • 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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Single source claim
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS3351a

Incident date

March 28, 2018

Location

القصابية, Al Qassabiya, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

35.4654453, 36.4964532 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A number of civilians were reported injured in alleged Russian airstrikes or Syrian regime forces shelling on Al Qassabiya in Idlib, Syria on March 28th, 2018, according to local sources.

Step News reported “airstrikes by Russian warplanes on the town of Al-Qasabiya in the southern countryside of Idlib led to the injury of a number of civilians, on March 28th 2018.”

@AlRawad_sy reported shelling by Syrian regime forces on Al Qassabiya on the same day.

@media_idlib said the attacks caused huge damage in civilians’ properties.

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
    Unknown
  • 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 attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (8) [ collapse]

  • Aftermath of artillery shelling allegedly by the regime forces over the outskirts of the Qasabiya village in the northern Hama countryside on March 28th, 2018 (via @AlRawad_sy)
  • Damage to civilians' homes in the village of Qasabiya, Idlib on March 28th 2018, as a result of alleged Russian airstrikes. (via Saad Al Afra)
  • Damage to civilians' homes in the village of Qasabiya, Idlib on March 28th 2018, as a result of alleged Russian airstrikes. (via Saad Al Afra)
  • Damage to civilians' homes in the village of Qasabiya, Idlib on March 28th 2018, as a result of alleged Russian airstrikes. (via Saad Al Afra)
  • Damage to civilians' homes in the village of Qasabiya, Idlib on March 28th 2018, as a result of alleged Russian airstrikes. (via Saad Al Afra)
  • Damage to civilians' homes in the village of Qasabiya, Idlib on March 28th 2018, as a result of alleged Russian airstrikes. (via Saad Al Afra)
  • Damage to civilians' homes in the village of Qasabiya, Idlib on March 28th 2018, as a result of alleged Russian airstrikes. (via Saad Al Afra)
  • Damage to civilians' homes in the village of Qasabiya, Idlib on March 28th 2018, as a result of alleged Russian airstrikes. (via Saad Al Afra)

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
    Unknown
  • 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 attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS3844

Incident date

June 23, 2019

Location

كفربطيخ, Kafar Batikh, Idlib, Syria

Airwars assessment

Three civilians (a child and two women or two children and a woman) were wounded by a cluster bomb in an airstrike on the village of Kafar Batikh, according to local sources. @alhariri58  tweeted that three raids with vacuum and cluster rockets targeted the area.

Both Russian and Syrian regime forces were blamed for the attack. According to Shaam News, the attack was carried out by aircrafts and helicopter gunships.

Smart News depicted the child in a photograph and published a video that can be viewed on their website but are not available for distribution.

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
    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 attackers
    Syrian Regime, Russian Military
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (16) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • A child injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Kafr Batikh on June 23rd, 2019. (via Housaine Alfadil)
  • One of two children reported injured in airstrikes on Kafr Batikh on June 23rd, 2019. (Copyright SMART, published in the public interest).

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • 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 attackers
    Syrian Regime, Russian Military
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (16) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS3457

Incident date

June 25, 2018

Location

الحراك, Al Harak, Dara'a, Syria

Geolocation

32.7511, 36.3053 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Three male civilians, including a Syrian Civil Defence volunteer and a nurse, were killed in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the city of Al Harak on June 25th 2018, according to local sources.

Smart News Agency reported that, according to a medical source, “a civilian, a nurse and a member of the Civil Defence were killed by the bombing of warplanes on the city of Al Harak.”

According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, at least three civilians were killed in the airstrikes, for which they blamed both Russian and Syrian regime forces.

Mohammad Abu Salem reported initially that Civil Defence volunteer Ibrahim Muhammad Tarad Abu Salem died in the airstrikes, and that his younger brother Anas Muhammad Tarad Abu Salem had been critically wounded. Other sources later reported the death of Anas Muhammad Trad Abu Salem, adding that the young man was a nurse.

According to Aleppo Civil Defence, Ibrahim Abu Salem died after a rocket attack on the ambulance he was in.

Abood Al Hirak identified the third victim as Ibrahim Yunis Abu Safi, who was killed when his agricultural truck was targeted by alleged Russian airstrikes. Ayham Kaloush published a photo of a severely charred body on a vehicle.

@SyriaCivilDefe tweeted that its teams managed to put out a fire during the night in Al Harak, after a civilian car was targeted by alleged Russian air raids, stating that “the fire was controlled and its progress towards civilian homes was prevented.”

Whereas most sources blamed Russia for the airstrikes, others such as the Syrian Network for Human Rights and Shaam News Network blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Adult male nurse, younger brother of Ibrahim Muhammad Tarad Abu Salem injured

The victims were named as:

Adult male driving an agricultural truck killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (1 man2 healthcare_personnel)
  • 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 (28) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (13) [ collapse]

  • Ibrahim Mohammad Tarad Abu Salem, a Syrian Civil Defence volunteer, was killed in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Al Harak city on June 25th, 2018 (via Syrian Network for Human Rights).
  • Photo of the aftermath of airstrikes on Al Harak on June 25th, 2018 (via Dara'a Now).
  • Aftermath of alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Al Harak on June 25th, 2018 (via Dara'a Now).
  • Ibrahim Muhammad Tarad Abu Salem, a Syrian Civil Defence volunteer, was killed in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the city of Al Harak on June 25th, 2018 (via Mohammad Abu Salem).
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The body of Ibrahim Muhammad Tarad Abu Salem, a Syrian Civil Defence volunteer, who was killed in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the city of Al Harak on June 25th, 2018 (via Mohammad Ahmad on Facebook).
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The body of Ibrahim Anas Muhammad Trad Abu Salem, a nurse, who was killed in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the city of Al Harak on June 25th, 2018 (via Mohammad Ahmad on Facebook).
  • Syrian Civil Defence volunteers distinguishing fire after alleged Russian airstrikes targeted a civilian car in Al Harak on June 25th 2018 (via @SyriaCivilDefe).
  • Syrian Civil Defence volunteers distinguishing fire after alleged Russian airstrikes targeted a civilian car in Al Harak on June 25th 2018 (via @SyriaCivilDefe).
  • Fire after alleged Russian airstrikes targeted a civilian car in Al Harak on June 25th 2018 (via @SyriaCivilDefe).
  • Ibrahim Yunis Abu Safi, a nurse, was killed alongside his brother, a Syrian Civil Defence volunteer, in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes in Al Harak on June 25th 2018 (via Adnan Adel Al Zamel).
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Ibrahim Yunis Abu Safi died after alleged Russian airstrikes targeted his tractor in the city of Al Harak on June 25th, 2018 (via Ayham Kaloush).
  • Statement by the Syrian Civil Defence in Dara'a on the death of volunteer Ibrahim Muhammad Tarad Abu Salem, who was killed in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the city of Al Harak on June 25th, 2018 (via @SCD_Daraa).

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
    3
  • (1 man2 healthcare_personnel)
  • 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 (28) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS3554

Incident date

September 9, 2018

Location

الهبيط, Al Habit, Idlib, Syria

Airwars assessment

Two children were reported killed and up to six other civilians were injured in alleged Russian forces or Syrian regime airstrikes on Al Habit in Idlib on September 9th, 2018, according to local sources.

@HadiAlabdallah tweeted “Umayya Ayman Al-Ruz, a displaced girl from the town of Khattab in the Hama countryside. This beautiful baby girl was killed by Russian aircraft today in the town of Al-Habit in Idlib countryside.”

In another variation of the victim’s name. the Syrian Network for Human Rights said “The infant Amina Ayman al Rez was killed as Syrian regime helicopters dropped gas cylinders on al Habit village in Idlib governorate southern suburbs, on September 9th.”

Hamah Now identified the second child killed as Yousef Al Ibrahim. “The martyrdom of the child Yousef Ibrahim from the displaced people of the village of Serhein in the southern suburbs of Hama, as a result of Russian air strikes on the town of Habit south of Idlib.”

From their side, @SyriaCivilDefe raised the death and casualties toll and tweeted “The death toll of martyrs in the town of Al-Habit has increased to two child martyrs and six wounded, after a brutal bombing campaign with more than twenty explosive mines by helicopters, which the town was subjected to this afternoon.”

Violations Documentation Center identified the two child victims as Yousef al-Ibraheme  and Umayya Ayman Al-Ruz.

FreedeirEzzorRadio said that around 40 raids targeted areas in Idlib and Hama on that day. Step Agency posted images showing the huge amount of destruction to civilian houses as a result of the attack.

The incident occured in the afternoon.

The victims were named as:

Child female Amina Al Ruzz - Another variation of the name - أمينة الرز killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (2 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    3–6
  • 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 (15) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (12) [ collapse]

  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Al Habit, 9th Sept 2018. (via Step News Agency)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Al Habit, 9th Sept 2018. (via Step News Agency)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Al Habit, 9th Sept 2018. (via Step News Agency)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Al Habit, 9th Sept 2018. (via Step News Agency)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Al Habit, 9th Sept 2018. (via Step News Agency)
  • Amina Ayman al Rez, killed in airstrikes on Al Habit, 9th Sept 2018. (via SN4HR)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The infant Umayya Al Ruzz was killed in Russian forces or Syrian regime airstrikes on Al Habit in Idlib on Sep 9th, 2018 (via Hadi AlAbdalla)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Child Yousef Al Ibrahim was killed in alleged Russian forces or Syrian regime airstrikes on Al Habit in Idlib on September 9th, 2018 (via @SyriaCivilDefe).
  • Airstrikes on Al Habit in Idlib on Sep 9th, 2018 and SCD volunteers seen in the location. (via @SyriaCivilDefe).
  • Airstrikes on Al Habit in Idlib on Sep 9th, 2018 (via @SyriaCivilDefe).
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A Syrian Civil Defense volunteer seen carrying the body of the infant Umayya Al Ruz after she was killed by Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Al Habit in Idlib on Sep 9th, 2018 (via @SyriaCivilDefe)

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
    2
  • (2 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    3–6
  • 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 (15) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS3437

Incident date

May 22, 2018

Location

قرية عرب سعيد, Arab Saeed: Idlib-Salqin road, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

35.960397, 36.554818 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

An unknown number of civilians was injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on the village of Arab Saeed village on Idlib Salqeen road, Idlib governorate, on May 22nd, 2018, according to local sources.

Aneen reported “civilian casualties as a result of the Russian airstrike targeting civilians in the village of Arab Saeed, near the road Idlib – Salqin.” According to Step News Agency, the airstrikes targeted the village of Sheikh Ali near Arab Saeed.

The Local Coordination Committees of Syria reported that Russian airstrikes targeted the central prison and the village of Arab Saeed, west of Idlib city, which led to the injury of civilians.

Currently, no further information is available to Airwars.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • 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
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • 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
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (4) [ collapse]