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

March 25, 2018

Incident Code

RS3116

LOCATION

مديرا, Madera, Damascus, Syria

A single source reported that an unspecified number of civilians were killed and wounded in air and artillery strikes on Madera, local media reported. The source blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids. Activists said the “raids were accompanied by rocket and artillery bombardment and the explosive barrel of the regime’s forces.”

Summary

First published
February 25, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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 belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

February 25, 2018

Incident Code

RS3115

LOCATION

حمورية, Hamouriya, Damascus, Syria

Between one and seven civilians were killed and dozens more were wounded, in air and artillery strikes on Hamouriya, local media reported. Media blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids. There were as many as four artillery shells which struck the residential town, killing at least one woman and one child. There

Summary

First published
February 25, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 7
(1 child1 woman)
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 belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

February 25, 2018

Incident Code

RS3114

LOCATION

مسرابا, Mesraba, Damascus, Syria

An unspecified number of civilians were killed and wounded in air and artillery strikes on Mesraba, local media reported. Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids. Sources reported that the strikes caused mass destruction on civilian property. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
February 25, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
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
View Incident

Incident date

March 25, 2018

Incident Code

RS3113

LOCATION

حوش الصالحية, Hawsh Al Salihya, Damascus, Syria

A single source reported that an unspecific number of civilians were killed and wounded in air and artillery strikes on Hawsh Al Salihya, local media reported. The source blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids. Activists said the “raids were accompanied by rocket and artillery bombardment and the explosive barrel of the

Summary

First published
February 25, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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 belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

February 25, 2018

Incident Code

RS3112

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

Two children and their mother were killed in air and artillery strikes on Douma, according to local media. Sources blamed both Russian warplanes and the Syrian regime for the raids. The vicinity was struck with land to land missiles and heavy artillery shelling. Images show the extent of destruction to property. There are no more details

Summary

First published
February 25, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike, Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 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 25, 2018

Incident Code

RS3120

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

Between 11 and 19 civilians were killed, and dozens were wounded in airstrikes on Douma, local media reported. Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids. According to Baraa, 11 people from one family were killed when a guided missile struck their home. There was reportedly continuous shelling on the vicinity throughout

Summary

First published
February 25, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
11 – 19
(0–2 children1 woman)
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 belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

February 25, 2018

Incident Code

RS3119

LOCATION

حزة, Hazza, Damascus, Syria

Three civilians were killed, including a woman, and others were injured in air and artillery strikes on Hazza, local media reported. Sources blamed the Syrian and Russian alliance for the raids. Syrian Coalition reported that members of the “Syrian defence forces [were] working to rescue civilians in the city [due to] missiles, as part of

Summary

First published
February 25, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

February 25, 2018

Incident Code

RS3118

LOCATION

الشيفونية, Al Shifonya, Damascus, Syria

A child was killed and 20 civilians were injured due to a chloride gas attack on Al Shifonya, local media reported. Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids. The injured all suffocated due to the internationally banned chloride gas. Members of the Syrian Civil Defence were also reportedly injured in the

Summary

First published
February 25, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
20
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 25, 2018

Incident Code

RS3111

LOCATION

حوش الضواهرة, Hawsh Al Dawahra, Damascus, Syria

Five civilians were killed and more than 15 were wounded in airstrikes on Hawsh Al Dawahra, according to local media. Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids. Wesal reported that there was an “Aerial bombardment of a residential neighbourhood, leaving 5 martyrs and more than 15 wounded, mostly women and children

Summary

First published
February 25, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
Civilians reported injured
15
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 25, 2018

Incident Code

RS3110

LOCATION

بيت سوى, Beat Sawa, Damascus, Syria

One civilian was killed and others were wounded in airstrikes on the residential neighbourhood of Beat Sawa, local media reported. Only one source blamed Russian warplanes targeting the vicinity. The others blamed military warplanes. There are no other details at this time.  

Summary

First published
February 25, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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, Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

February 25, 2018

Incident Code

RS3109

LOCATION

سقبا, Saqba, Damascus, Syria

Between one and two civilians were killed, and an unspecific number of others were wounded, in airstrikes on Saqba, local media reported. Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids. Ghouta Media Centre tweeted about the “mass destruction” caused by Russian warplanes to the residential neighbourhood. They also published images. There are

Summary

First published
February 25, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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 belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

February 24, 2018

Incident Code

RS3105

LOCATION

أوتايا, Otaya, Damascus, Syria

Russian and/or Assad-waged shelling potentially resulted in civilian harm, as the town of Otaya, eastern Ghouta, Damascus, was struck by both airstrikes, explosive barrels and artillery, local media reported. Besides from reports of airstrikes and artillery shelling, both Oday Hussein and Homam al-Hassan, reported how the town also was stuck by explosive barrels, launched from helicopters.

Summary

First published
February 24, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
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 24, 2018

Incident Code

RS3104

LOCATION

النشابية, Al Nashabiya, Damascus, Syria

In this single-source event, Step News Agency reported that the Syrian regime in cooperation with Russia had waged aerial and artillery shelling in Al Nashabiya, eastern Ghouta, Damascus, possibly leading to civilian harm. While the report made no specific mentioning of civilian harm, it is assessed that at least two civilians were wounded as it was

Summary

First published
February 24, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
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 belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

February 24, 2018

Incident Code

RS3102

LOCATION

مديرا, Madera, Damascus, Syria

In this single-source event, Step News Agency reported that the Syrian regime in cooperation with Russia, continued its aerial shelling of eastern Ghouta, including in Madera. While the report made no specific mentioning of civilian harm, it is assessed that at least two civilians were wounded as it was noted how the shelling “resulted in general

Summary

First published
February 24, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
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 belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

February 24, 2018

Incident Code

RS3103

LOCATION

حزرما, Hazrama, Damascus, Syria

In this event, Step News Agency and al-Arabiya reported that Hazrama, eastern Ghouta, Damascus, was subject to aerial and artillery shelling, possibly leading to civilian harm. While the reports made no specific mentioning of civilian harm, it is assessed that at least two civilians were wounded as it was noted by Step News Agency how

Summary

First published
February 24, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
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 belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

February 24, 2018

Incident Code

RS3101

LOCATION

الافتريس, al-Aftirs, Damascus, Syria

One civilian was reportedly killed in al-Aftaris, eastern Ghouta, Damascus, as Russia and the Syrien regime continued its aerial shelling of eastern Ghouta. In this event, only Step News Agency reported that the shelling resulted in civilian harm, putting the death toll at one. The other source, Oday Hussein, merely pointed to aerial shelling of the

Summary

First published
February 24, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

February 24, 2018

Incident Code

RS3100

LOCATION

سقبا, Saqba, Damascus, Syria

In this single-source event, Step News Agency reported on two different platforms that joint Russian/Syrian regime shelling killed one civilian in Saqba, eastern Ghouta, Damascus. Currently, there are no further details available.

Summary

First published
February 24, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

February 24, 2018

Incident Code

RS3099

LOCATION

الشيفونية, Al Shifonya, Damascus, Syria

Two civilians were killed as al Shifonya, eastern Ghouta, Damascus, was struck by explosive barrels and missiles, local media reported – though it was unclear who was to blame. As the shelling of eastern Ghouta continued on its seventh day, Shifonya was again struck on February 24th, which according to HalabTodayTV and Step News Agency

Summary

First published
February 24, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
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 24, 2018

Incident Code

RS3098

LOCATION

عربين, Arbeen, Damascus, Syria

According to local sources, Russian and/or Assad-waged warplanes and helicopters struck Arbeen, eastern Ghouta, Damascus, killing up to three civilians, including two children as well as wounding “dozens”. Smart News Agency reported that “nine raids were carried out by warplanes likely to be Russian on the city of Arbeen (…). The bombing killed three civilians

Summary

First published
February 24, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(2 children)
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 24, 2018

Incident Code

RS3097

LOCATION

كفربطنا, Kafar Batna, Damascus, Syria

According to local media, up to three civilians, hereof one woman and one child, were killed as several left wounded as Assad and/or Russian-waged warplanes struck Kafar Batna, eastern Ghouta, Damascus. Several reports told how Kafar Batna was subject to aerial shelling, especially striking residential areas. As the only one, Ghouta Media Center (GMC) reported about

Summary

First published
February 24, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(1 child1 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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 24, 2018

Incident Code

RS3086

LOCATION

زملكا, Zamalaka, Damascus, Syria

One civilian was killed and others were left injured, local media reported following aerial shelling of Zamalaka, eastern Ghouta, Damascus, carried out by either Russia, the Syrian regime, or both. al-Jazeera’s correspondent in eastern Ghouta reported how “raids of the regime and Russia targeted residential buildings with internationally banned cluster bombs, explosive barrels and napalm

Summary

First published
February 24, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
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 24, 2018

Incident Code

RS3085

LOCATION

المرج, al-Marj, Damascus, Syria

Civilians were possibly killed and wounded as al-Marj, Damascus, was subject to aerial shelling, as reported by local media, who blamed both Syrian and/or Russian forces. While several sources reported that al-Marj had been struck by air raids, no sources reported the scope of the civilian harm the strikes inflicted. Only Step News Agency al-Jazeera, indicated

Summary

First published
February 24, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
Civilians reported injured
0–2
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 24, 2018

Incident Code

RS3084

LOCATION

كفر زيتا, Kafar Zita, Hama, Syria

Up to four civilians, including two children and a woman, were killed and several were left injured, local media reported, following aerial and artillery shelling of Kafar Zeita, Hama, carried out by either Russia or the Syrian regime. While most sources reported that the town in the countryside of Hama had been struck by air

Summary

First published
February 24, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(1–2 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
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 24, 2018

Incident Code

RS3083

LOCATION

بيت سوى, Beit Sawa, Damascus, Syria

Up to two civilians were killed and several left wounded as airstrikes, carried out by either Russia and/or the Syrian regime, struck Beit Sawa, Damascus, local media reported. While not providing many details, local sources reported that airstrikes had struck Beit Sawa, and most reports put the death toll at one. Step News Agency, however,

Summary

First published
February 24, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
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 belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

February 24, 2018

Incident Code

RS3082

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

Up to 17 civilians, including four children and six women, were killed along with dozens of wounded, local media reported after Douma, Damascus, was subject to “intensive shelling” from both the air and the ground, though apportion of blame was unclear. The Syrian Civil Defence, who put the death toll at 17, reported how it

Summary

First published
February 24, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 17
(4 children6 women)
Civilians reported injured
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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 24, 2018

Incident Code

RS3080

LOCATION

حرستا, Harasta, Damascus, Syria

At least two but as many as 35 civilians were killed and several wounded as Harasta, eastern Ghouta, Damascus, was subject to aerial – and possibly also artillery – shelling, local media reported, though apportion of blame was unclear. As the shelling of eastern Ghouta continued on its seventh day, Harasta was again on February

Summary

First published
February 24, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 25
(0–8 children)
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 24, 2018

Incident Code

RS3108

LOCATION

مسرابا, Mesraba, Damascus, Syria

An unspecified number of civilians were wounded in airstrikes on Mesraba, local media reported. Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the strikes. Sources blamed heavy shelling for the destruction. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
February 24, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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

February 24, 2018

Incident Code

RS3107

LOCATION

حوش الضواهرة, Hawsh Al Dawahra, Damascus, Syria

An unspecified number of civilians were wounded in air and artillery strikes on Hawsh Al Dawahra, according to local media. Sources attribute the blame to both Russia and the Syrian regime. Sources claimed that explosive barrels were used on the vicinity. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
February 24, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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

February 24, 2018

Incident Code

RS3106

LOCATION

حوش الصالحية, Hawsh Al Salihya, Damascus, Syria

Local media reported that an unspecified number of civilians were killed and wounded in airstrikes on Hawsh Al Salihya. Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids. There is one report of the use of an explosive barrel. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
February 24, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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
View Incident

Incident date

February 23, 2018

Incident Code

RS3074

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

One child died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Khan Sheikhoun, according to local media. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported: “The child Ibrahim Abdul Karim al-Kharouf, a native of the town of Latamina in the north-western province of Hama, was killed by the bombing of an air force that we believe is a

Summary

First published
February 23, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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