Russian Military in Syria

A Russian combat aircraft at Khmeimim airbase in Syria being prepared for action. (Russian Ministry of Defence)

Belligerent
Russian Military
Country
Syria
start date
end date
Civilian Harm Status
Belligerent Assessment
Declassified Documents
Infrastructure

Incident date

February 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RS3081

LOCATION

حزة, Hazza, Damascus, Syria

According to local media, the town of Hazza, eastern Ghouta, Damascus, was struck by  air raids, possibly killing one civilian while wounding several, though it was unclear who was to blame. SYR_REV_NEWS reported how unidentified warplanes “launched two raids” in Hazza, and it by others was reported that residential neighbourhoods were struck. Only one source,

Summary

First published
July 22, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
Civilians reported injured
1–2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
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

RS3077

LOCATION

كفربطنا, Kafar Batna, Damascus, Syria

Up to six civilians, hereof three to five children, were killed and “dozens” left wounded as Russian and/or Assad-waged airstrikes struck Kafar Batna, eastern Ghouta, Damascus, local media reported. As the heavy shelling of eastern Ghouta continued on February 23rd, Baladi News reported that 22 civilians had been killed in Kafar Batna within the past

Summary

First published
February 23, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 6
(3–5 children)
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
View Incident

Incident date

February 23, 2018

Incident Code

RS3068

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

Up to 13 civilians, including at least one child and one woman, were killed and several left wounded as Douma, eastern Ghouta, Damascus, continued to be subject to heavy air and artillery shelling, local media reported, though the apportion of blame was not clear. While several parts of eastern Ghouta was subject to heavy shelling

Summary

First published
February 23, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 13
(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, Iranian Military
View Incident

Incident date

February 23, 2018

Incident Code

RS3078

LOCATION

حرستا, Harasta, Damascus, Syria

As Russian and/or Assad warplanes struck the town of Harasta, eastern Ghouta, Damascus, local media reported that up to three civilians were killed and several left wounded. The town of Harasta was bombed with at least four air raids, as reported by Ghouta Media Center, who blamed Russia. Meanwhile, al-Jazeera, who quoted field source, said

Summary

First published
February 23, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 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 belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

February 23, 2018

Incident Code

RS3073

LOCATION

اللطامنة, al-Latamna, Hama, Syria

According to local media, up to four civilians, including one woman, were killed and dozens left wounded, as Russian or Assad forces carried out air and artillery shelling of Latamna, Hama. Step News Agency reported how allegedly “Russian raids and rocket-propelled grenades” had struck the city of Latamna, resulting in great civilian harm. The death

Summary

First published
February 23, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 4
(1 woman)
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 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

Incident date

February 23, 2018

Incident Code

RS3069

LOCATION

زملكا, Zamalaka, Damascus, Syria

Up to three civilians were killed and several were wounded as Zamalaka, eastern Ghouta, Damascus, was subject to air strikes and helicopter bombings, carried out by either Russia, the Assad regime, or both, as reported by local media. As the shelling of eastern Ghouta continued on Friday, February 23rd, Zamalaka was not excepted from the

Summary

First published
February 23, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 23, 2018

Incident Code

RS3075

LOCATION

عين ترما, Ain Tarma, Damascus, Syria

Up to six civilians, including up to four children and one woman, were killed and dozens were left wounded as Ain Tarma, eastern Ghouta, Damascus, was struck by Syrian Regime and/or Russian-waged warplanes, local media reported. As the intense shelling of several parts of eastern Ghouta continued, Ain Tarma was also struck, resulting in great

Summary

First published
July 19, 2019
Last updated
June 20, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 6
(2–4 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2–24
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 belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 23, 2018

Incident Code

RS3079

LOCATION

سقبا, Saqba, Damascus, Syria

One civilian, reportedly a child, was killed as Russian and/or Assad warplanes struck Saqba, eastern Ghouta, Damascus, local media reported. As the shelling of eastern Ghouta continued on its fifth day, residential areas of Saqba were reportedly been struck on February 23rd. The incident claimed one civilian fatality, as reported by several sources. According to

Summary

First published
February 23, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(0–1 children)
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

RS3070

LOCATION

حزرما, Hazrama, Damascus, Syria

One civilian was killed in Hazrama, Damascus, local media reported, following allegedly both Russian and Assad-waged aerial shelling of the town. In continuation of the intense shelling of eastern Ghouta, Hazrama was subject to “air and missile bombardment”, as reported by LCCSY. All known sources reported one civilian fatality from the strikes. Baladi News and

Summary

First published
February 23, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

February 23, 2018

Incident Code

RS3071

LOCATION

مديرا, Madera, Damascus, Syria

At least one – possibly a child – and as many as five civilians were killed as Madera, Damascus, was subject to airstrikes, carried out by Russia and/or the Assad regime, as reported by local media. As a part of the intense shelling of eastern Ghouta, Madera was also struck by warplanes, local media reported. For

Summary

First published
February 23, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 5
(0–1 children)
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 23, 2018

Incident Code

RS3072

LOCATION

حمورية, Hamouriya, Damascus, Syria

One named civilian man was killed along with “tens” of wounded, local media reported as Hamouriya, like the rest of eastern Ghouta, continued to be under aerial shelling, carried out by Russian and/or the Syrian regime. Besides from airstrikes, Baladi News reported the launch of explosive barrels, and al-Jazeera, citing local sources, reported how “the regime (Assad,

Summary

First published
February 23, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 23, 2018

Incident Code

RS3076

LOCATION

الشيفونية, Al Shifonya, Damascus, Syria

Up to seven civilians, allegedly five from the same family, were killed and several were left wounded Russian and/or Assad forces struck Al Shifonya, eastern Ghouta, Damascus, local media reported. The intense shelling of eastern Ghouta continued on Friday, February 23rd, including in Al Shifonya. Here, the strikes struck residential areas, and Douma Revolution reported that

Summary

First published
February 23, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 7
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
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 22, 2018

Incident Code

RS3067

LOCATION

عندان, Anadan, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

In this single-source event, Step News Agency reported that two children were injured by an alleged Russian cluster bomb explosion in Anadan, Aleppo. Step News Agency did not not specify the date of the event, and it has therefore been registered as taking place the day it was reported, February 22nd, 2018. Currently, no further

Summary

First published
February 22, 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 belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

February 22, 2018

Incident Code

RS3062

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

In what was described as “endless” bombing of Douma, Damascus, up to 34 civilians, including children and women, were killed and dozens left wounded, as reported by local media, who blamed either the Assad regime or joint Assad/Russian forces. As eastern Ghouta continued to be under heavy shelling, Smart News Agency reported how “the Syrian regime

Summary

First published
February 22, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 34
(7 children9 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
Belligerents reported killed
24
View Incident

Incident date

February 22, 2018

Incident Code

RS3063

LOCATION

حمورية, Hamouriya, Damascus, Syria

According to local media, up to five civilians, including four women, were killed and several were left wounded as Russian and/or Assad-waged warplanes struck Hamouriya, eastern Ghouta, Damascus. Enab Baladi reported how “at least five people were killed today in the town of Hamuriya, in the center of the besieged area, by an air strike

Summary

First published
February 22, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
(4 women)
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 22, 2018

Incident Code

RS3058

LOCATION

الشيفونية, Al Shifonya, Damascus, Syria

Two civilians were killed along with a number of wounded as Russian airstrikes and/or Assad artillery shelling struck Al Shifonya, eastern Ghouta, Damascus, local media reported. Several sources reported that two civilians were killed in the incident, and both were identified by name by Ghouta Media Center. It was however, not clear whether the victims

Summary

First published
February 22, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 22, 2018

Incident Code

RS3059

LOCATION

مسرابا, Mesraba, Damascus, Syria

According to local media, between two and three civilians, including one child, were killed along with a number of wounded as Mesraba, eastern Ghouta, Damascus, was struck by Russian or Assad-waged airstrikes. For the third day in a row, eastern Ghouta, including Mesraba, was subject to heavy shelling, as reported by numerous media. Baladi News

Summary

First published
February 22, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
2–8
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