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 1, 2018

Incident Code

RS2956

LOCATION

سراقب, Saraqib, Idlib, Syria

Up to five members of the Civil Defence were killed and several were left wounded, local media reported, following alleged Russian or Assad regime shelling of the Civil Defence Center in Saraqib, Idlib. Several local media reported that the Civil Defence Center had been struck, described by the Civil Defences’ Twitter as “heavy shelling”. The

Summary

First published
February 1, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
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 belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

February 1, 2018

Incident Code

RS2955

LOCATION

سراقب, Saraqeb, Idlib, Syria

Between three and six civilians, including one family, was killed and several were wounded as Russian or Assad-waged warplanes carried out airstrikes in the city of Saraqeb, Idlib, local media reported. In this incident, described as “a massacre in the heart of the city” by al-Modon, civilian harm reports varied slightly, spanning from three to

Summary

First published
February 1, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 6
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
2–4
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 1, 2018

Incident Code

RS2954

LOCATION

معرشورين, Ma'ar Shoreen, Idlib, Syria

Alleged Russian airstrikes wounded two civilians in the city of Ma’ar Shoreen, Idlib, local media reported. Orient News reported was among sources reporting that a strike on “the road between Ma’ar Shoreen and Ma’ar Shamsha” resulted in the injury of two civilians. All known sources pointed to Russia as the culprit.

Summary

First published
February 1, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
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 belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

January 31, 2018

Incident Code

RS2953

LOCATION

سراقب, Saraqeb, Idlib, Syria

A mother and her daughter were burned to death in an airstrike which hit Saraqeb, according to local media. Sources blamed both the Syrian regime and Russian warplanes for the raids. Smart News reported that “More than 18 Russian warplanes and helicopters launched heavy raids on areas east of the town of Sarakib (16 km

Summary

First published
January 31, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 woman)
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

January 31, 2018

Incident Code

RS2952

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

One civilian was wounded in airstrikes which hit Khan Sheikhoun, according to local media. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, attributing blame to both the Syrian regime and Russia – who were both bombing the vicinity at this time. According to @MasarPressNet, “Russian warplanes targeting the towns of Khan Sheikhun, Tantah and

Summary

First published
January 31, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
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 belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

January 30, 2018

Incident Code

RS2951

LOCATION

حران, Harran, Idlib, Syria

An unspecified number of civilians were wounded in airstrikes which hit Harran, according to local media. Although no sources blamed the Syrian regime, all attributing blame to Russia, Baladi news Network reported that “The Russian and Syrian air force planes and helicopters launched a series of rocket, napalm and barrel attacks Explosive since dawn today

Summary

First published
January 30, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
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

January 30, 2018

Incident Code

RS2950

LOCATION

كفرزيتا, Kafr Zeita, Hama, Syria

An unspecified number of civilians were wounded in airstrikes on Kafr Zeita, according to local media. Sources all attributed the blame to Russia. According to sources such as Al Latamna youth group, the raids struck a hospital, wounding patients at the vicinity. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
January 30, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
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 belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

January 30, 2018

Incident Code

RS2949

LOCATION

البوابية, Al-Bawabiya, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

An entire family of five were killed, and ten others were injured in airstrikes which hit the village of Al-Bawabiya, Aleppo, according to local media. Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids. The family were buried alive when the raid struck their homes. Images and footage show the extent of devastation

Summary

First published
January 30, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 5
(2 children1 woman3 men)
Civilians reported injured
10
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
5 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 30, 2018

Incident Code

RS2948

LOCATION

سراقب, Saraqeb, Idlib, Syria

A civilian was killed and an unspecified number more were wounded, due to airstrikes in Saraqeb, according to local media. Sources blamed Russian warplanes for the raids. Heavy machine guns and missiles caused much material damage to civilian homes, one source reported. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
January 30, 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
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

January 30, 2018

Incident Code

RS2947

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

As many as 12 civilians were wounded in airstrikes which struck residential housing in Khan Sheikhoun, according to local media. Sources blamed both the Syrian regime and Russia for the raids. Media reported that five civilians were buried alive under the rubble, and other seven were harmed in the streets by the same raids. Upsetting

Summary

First published
January 30, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
Civilians reported injured
12
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

January 30, 2018

Incident Code

RS2946

LOCATION

اريحا, Ariha, Idlib, Syria

In what has been described by local media as a massacre, as many as 15 civilians were killed and dozens more were wounded in airstrikes on Souq Al Hal (markets) in Ariha. Sources blamed both the Syrian regime and Russia for the raids. Sources differed when reporting on the number of civilian deaths, with Syrian

Summary

First published
January 30, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 15
(2 children1 woman8 men)
Civilians reported injured
18–24
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
9 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 29, 2018

Incident Code

RS2941

LOCATION

سراقب, Saraqeb, Idlib, Syria

In the first out of a series of three intensive raids in Idlib on the 29th, as many as 14 civilians were killed, and up to 25 were injured, in an attack on a potato market, according to local media. Sources blamed both the Syrian regime and Russia for these strikes. Euphrates Post reported that

Summary

First published
January 29, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 14
(1 woman2–13 men)
Civilians reported injured
10–25
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
15 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 29, 2018

Incident Code

RS2945

LOCATION

الصناعية, Sina'iya , Idlib, Syria

Two to seven civilians were injured in airstrikes which hit an industrial area in Sina’iya, according to local media. Sources all attributed the blame to Moscow. Rockets ad missiles allegedly “targeted” the vicinity, however there were no civilian deaths. Three women and three children were included in the number of wounded. There are no other

Summary

First published
January 29, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
Civilians reported injured
2–7
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
View Incident

Incident date

January 29, 2018

Incident Code

RS2944

LOCATION

معصران, Ma'saran, Idlib, Syria

As many as 12 civilians were killed, including a family of five, and dozens more were injured, in airstrikes on Ma’saran, according to local media. Sources either blamed Moscow for the strikes or “warplanes”. In raids which struck civilian housing, a mother and her four children were killed, in the middle of the night. Euphrates

Summary

First published
January 29, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 12
(4 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
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
5 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 29, 2018

Incident Code

RS2943

LOCATION

سراقب, Saraqeb, Idlib, Syria

In the third in a set of raids on Saraqeb, as many as three civilians were killed in strikes on the outskirts of the city, according to local media. Sources all attributed the blame to Russia. Media reported that there were four raids on the outskirts of Saraqeb, and as many as three died, including

Summary

First published
January 29, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(1 child0–1 women)
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 belligerent
Rebel Forces
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 29, 2018

Incident Code

RS2942

LOCATION

مشفى سراقب, Saraqeb Hospital, Idlib, Syria

In a second round of strikes on the 29th, a charity hospital supported by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) was reportedly  hit in an aerial attack by alleged Russian warplanes, killing as many as five civilians and wounding others. Sources all attributed the blame to Moscow. Wounded civilians from a raid on the potato market (see

Summary

First published
January 29, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 5
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
5–6
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
View Incident

Incident date

January 28, 2018

Incident Code

RS2940

LOCATION

مصطفى الشيخ, Mustafa Sheikh, Idlib, Syria

As many as two civilians were killed and others were injured in airstrikes on Mustafa Sheikh, according to local media. Sources blamed both the Syrian regime and Russia for the raids. There is confusion over whether one adult male died or one child. No sources point to two civilian deaths, however some sources differed while

Summary

First published
January 28, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 child1 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

January 28, 2018

Incident Code

RS2939

LOCATION

كفرنبل, Kafr Nabil, Idlib, Syria

Two raids killed as many as two civilians in Kafr Nabil, according to local media. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, some attributing blame to Russia, while Violations Documentation Centre amongst others blame the Syrian regime. According to media, as many as ten civilians were also injured in the raids, including three

Summary

First published
January 28, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
10
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 28, 2018

Incident Code

RS2937

LOCATION

سراقب, Saraqeb, Idlib, Syria

Nine civilians were killed, and dozens more were wounded, in airstrikes which hit a residential neighbourhood in Saraqeb in the morning, according to local media. Sources blamed both the Syrian regime and Russian warplanes for the airstrikes. According to sources, warplanes and helicopters hit the vicinity with more than 40 raids, with four explosive barrels.

Summary

First published
January 28, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 9
(2 children6 men)
Civilians reported injured
16–20
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
9 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 28, 2018

Incident Code

RS2936

LOCATION

كفرزيتا, al Sayyad street. Kafr Zeita, Hama, Syria

A woman was killed and several others were injured in airstrikes on Kafr Zeita, according to local media. Sources blamed both the Syrian regime and Russian for the raids. Step reported that “A woman was killed and a number of people were injured as a result of Russian air strikes targeting the town of Kafr

Summary

First published
January 28, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 28, 2018

Incident Code

RS2938

LOCATION

معرةالنعمان, Ma'arat Nu'man, Idlib, Syria

Between five and seven civilians were killed, and dozens were injured, in airstrikes on Ma’arat Nu’man, according to local media. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame for the raids. Many blamed Russia, while some media reported that the Syrian regime were responsible. Sources reported that C5 missiles struck the residential homes in

Summary

First published
January 28, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 7
(2 children3 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 belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
5 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 26, 2018

Incident Code

RS2935

LOCATION

الكنايس أو الكنائس, Kanayes or Kana'es, Idlib, Syria

A man and a woman were killed, and one other was injured in airstrikes which hit the vicinity of Kanayes or Kana’es, according to local media. Sources all blamed Russian warplanes for the raids. The bombardement ‘targeted the village of churches” in Kanayes or Kana’es with napalm bombs, and RPG’s – according to local media.

Summary

First published
January 26, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 woman1 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 belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 22, 2018

Incident Code

RS2934

LOCATION

سنقرة, Sanqara, Idlib, Syria

As many as eight civilians were killed, and dozens more were wounded, in airstrikes which hit residential housing in Sanqara, local media reported. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, some attributing blame to Russia, while others blamed the Syrian regime. Images show what can only be described as a massacre, with the

Summary

First published
January 22, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8
(1–2 children2 women3 men)
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
Named victims
7 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 22, 2018

Incident Code

RS2933

LOCATION

الغدفة, Ghadfa, Idlib, Syria

A young man was killed and an unspecified number of others were wounded in airstrikes on Ghadfa, according to local media. Sources all attributed the blamed to Russian warplanes. It is unclear whether the victim was a child or an adult male. According to Syrian Network for Human Rights (SN4HR), a high school in al

Summary

First published
January 22, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(0–1 children0–1 men)
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 belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

January 21, 2018

Incident Code

RS2928

LOCATION

ايبلا, Ebla, Idlib, Syria

A civilian was killed when alleged Russian airstrikes struck the University of Ebla, according to local media. Sources all blamed Russian warplanes for the “heavy aerial bombardament” on the vicinity. According to Baladi News there were more than 15 raids on the area which damaged the University building and destroyed its property. There are no

Summary

First published
January 21, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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
View Incident

Incident date

January 21, 2018

Incident Code

RS2926

LOCATION

القرويطة, Al-Qarweta, Hama, Syria

A woman was killed and another was injured in airstrikes which struck the vicinity of Al-Qarweta. All sources either blamed Russian warplanes for the raids or did not attribute blame. Sources reported that the Russian shelling struck the outskirts of the village of Al-Qarweta in Mount Shahshabo. The woman was allegedly displaced. There are no

Summary

First published
January 21, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
1
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
View Incident

Incident date

January 21, 2018

Incident Code

RS2925

LOCATION

كفرنبودة, Kafr Nbooda, Hama, Syria

One child was killed, and four other civilians were injured, in airstrikes which struck Kafr Nbooda, according to local media. Sources al blamed Russian warplanes for the raids. The raids, which according to Alaraby News, consisted of cluster bombs and Russian RPG’s. 50 sheep were also killed in the raid. There are no other details

Summary

First published
January 21, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
4
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

January 21, 2018

Incident Code

RS2932

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

Between two and four civilians were killed, and others were wounded, in airstrikes which hit a residential neighbourhood in Khan Sheikhoun, according to local media. Sources all either lamed Russian warplanes for the strikes, or did not attribute blame. Two raids which struck the vicinity, caused much material damage, reported local sources. The Civil Defence

Summary

First published
January 21, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
(1 child3 men)
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 belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 21, 2018

Incident Code

RS2931

LOCATION

ادلب, Idlib, Damascus, Syria

A single source reported the death of a woman by Russian warplane shelling. The victim was named. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
January 21, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 21, 2018

Incident Code

RS2930

LOCATION

عربين, Arbeen, Damascus, Syria

Two men were killed in airstrikes which hit Arbeen, according to local media. Sources blamed both the Syrian regime and Russia for the strikes. According to SCDrifdimashq, the raids struck a residential neighbourhood with “intensive shelling”. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
January 21, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 man)
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