Russian Military in Syria

Russian Military in Syria

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

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Incident Code

RS1966

Incident date

March 13, 2017

Location

ام المياذن, Um Almayathen, Dara'a , Syria

Geolocation

32.585547, 36.190245 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One civilian was injured in an alleged air raid on the residential neighbourhood, Um Almayathen. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame for the strike, with some blaming Russian warplanes, and others the Syrian regime.

There was allegedly huge widespread damage  to residential homes and buildings as a result of the strike.

Missiles were reportedly used in the raid.

There are no other details at this time.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • 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 attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (9) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Um Almayathen (ام المياذن), for which the generic coordinates are: 32.585547, 36.190245. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military
Official source

Russia has not reported any specific strikes between March 1st - 31st 2017.

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (9) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS2027

Incident date

March 25, 2017

Location

معرة النعمان, Ma'arat Al-Nu'man, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

35.6477913, 36.6591881 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between two and nine civilians, including women and children, were wounded when the village of Ma’arat Al-Nu’man, Idlib, was hit by aerial shelling, local media reported, though it was unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame.

Mustapha al Gharib, a media manager in the civil defence in Maarat al Numan, told Smart that nine civilians including three children and two women were left with “medium” level injuries . Moreover, Zaman al-Wasl reported that the wounded were from the same family.

Most sources attributed blame to Russia while a few pointed to both the Syrian regime and Russia as the responsible. Just one source, Aleppo White Helmets, pointed to the Syrian regime as the only culprit.

The incident occured around midday.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–9
  • 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 (13) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Footage from the chaotic aftermath of the contested airstrikes on Ma'arat Al-Nu'man, Idlib, March 25th 2017, that badly wounded several civilians (via Ma’aret Al Numan Media Center)
  • Two children were rescued from under the rubble following the contested airstrikes on Ma'arat Al-Nu'man, Idlib, March 25th 2017 (via @SyriaCivilDefe)
  • Footage of the moment were two children ere rescued from under the rubble following the contested airstrikes on Ma'arat Al-Nu'man, Idlib, March 25th 2017 (via Syrian Civil Center)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military

Russia has not reported any strikes between March 1st - 31st 2017.

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–9
  • 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 (13) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS2111

Incident date

April 10, 2017

Location

جسر الشغور , Jisr Al-Shoughour, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

35.814269, 36.31994 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Sources reported the Syrian Civil Defence were struck in a suspected Russian airstrike during raids on the outskirts of Jisr Al-Shoughour in western Idlib.

Three civilians were reportedly injured, including a Syrian Civil Defence volunteer. One source alleged the use of phosphorus bombs.

There are no other details at this time.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    3
  • 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 (5) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • Injured member of the Syrian Civil Defense team after being targeted by an alleged Russian airstrike on April 10th 2017 (via Syrian Civil Defense).
  • Injured member of the Syrian Civil Defense team after being targeted by an alleged Russian airstrike on April 10th 2017 (via Syrian Civil Defense).
  • Fighter jet allegedly flying over the outskirts of Jisr Al-Shoughour on April 10th 2017 (via JMC).

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    3
  • 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 (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS2306

Incident date

June 25, 2017

Location

ابو قاطور, Abu Qator, Homs, Syria

Geolocation

34.724722, 37.364722 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A single source reported that “activists pointed out that the raids targeted a prison near the village of Abu Qatour, belonging to the area of Jab Jarrah (about 55 km east of Homs), killing six members of the organisation and wounding four prisoners [civilians] who were transferred to hospitals in Deir Ezzor province.”

The source blamed Russia for the raid.

There are no other details at this time.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    4
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military
Official source

Russia has not reported any specific strikes between June 1st - 31st 2017.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    4
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS2340

Incident date

July 15, 2017

Location

Al Hamidiya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

35.3301466, 40.1456308 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two civilians were wounded by alleged Russian airstrikes on the neighborhood of downtown Hamidiya, local sources reported.

No further details are currently available.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • 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 attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • 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 attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS2504

Incident date

September 24, 2017

Location

البويب, al Boueb, Hama, Syria

Geolocation

31.464395, 35.155867 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least two civilians were injured in airstrikes against the village of al Boueb in the Shahshabo mountain in the western Hama countryside. Media blamed Russian warplanes for the raids.

The “warplanes” which launched three raids on the vicinity were unidentified by some media. It was reported that the village “[is] inhabited by purely civilians working as shepherds. There are no more than 25 families in this village living in 15 houses.”

No specific estimate was given as to how many civilians.

There are no other details at this time.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS3590

Incident date

February 19, 2019

Location

معرة النعمان, Ma'arat Al Nu'man, Idlib, Syria

Airwars assessment

Two civilians were “lightly injured” in an artillery bombardment of Ma’arat Al Nu’man. While most sources blamed the regime, there was also an allegation against Russia.

Footage shows a medical team rushing to the scene immediately after the strike as search operations begin for civilian casualties. None were reported.

Another video published shows dogs are trapped under the rubble being rescued by members of the Syrian Civil Defence.

There are no other details at this time.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    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 attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Footage showing the aftermath of an artillery strike on Ma'arat Al Nu'man, 19th February 2019. (via Smart News)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Dogs are trapped under the rubble are dug free by members of the White Helmets following an artillery strike on Ma'arat Al Nu'man, 19th February 2019. (via Syrian Civil Defence)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military
Official source

Russia has not reported any strikes between February 1st – 31st 2019.

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    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 attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS2786

Incident date

December 6, 2017

Location

ابو الظهور, Abu Zuhur, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

35.738034, 37.047858 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two to three civilians were reportedly wounded following alleged Russian airstrikes which struck civilian homes, a bakery and a school in Abu Zuhur.

According to sourced, a bakery, a school and various civilian houses were destroyed in the raids. Footage of the aftermath shows buildings burning down.

Initial reporting by Zamanalwasl reported that the strikes resulted “in the injury of a woman and a child”. However Shahba Press reported that ” a man and woman were injured” in the raids.

The high explosive missiles reportedly were fired at dawn.

No civilian deaths were reported.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–3
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (17) [ collapse]

  • The aftermath of airstrikes which struck various buildings including civilian homes, a school and a bakery in Abu Zuhur, 6th December 2017. (via Syrian civil Defence center of Aleppo)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes which struck various buildings including civilian homes, a school and a bakery in Abu Zuhur, 6th December 2017. (via Step News Agency)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes which struck various buildings including civilian homes, a school and a bakery in Abu Zuhur, 6th December 2017. (via Step News Agency)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes which struck various buildings including civilian homes, a school and a bakery in Abu Zuhur, 6th December 2017. (via Step News Agency)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes which struck various buildings including civilian homes, a school and a bakery in Abu Zuhur, 6th December 2017. (via Step News Agency)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes which struck various buildings including civilian homes, a school and a bakery in Abu Zuhur, 6th December 2017. (via Step News Agency)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes which struck various buildings including civilian homes, a school and a bakery in Abu Zuhur, 6th December 2017. (via Step News Agency)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes which struck various buildings including civilian homes, a school and a bakery in Abu Zuhur, 6th December 2017. (via Step News Agency)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes which struck various buildings including civilian homes, a school and a bakery in Abu Zuhur, 6th December 2017. (via @SyrianCoaltiton)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes which struck various buildings including civilian homes, a school and a bakery in Abu Zuhur, 6th December 2017. (via @SyrianCoaltiton)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes which struck various buildings including civilian homes, a school and a bakery in Abu Zuhur, 6th December 2017. (via Idlib Media Centre)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes which struck various buildings including civilian homes, a school and a bakery in Abu Zuhur, 6th December 2017. (via Idlib Media Centre)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes which struck various buildings including civilian homes, a school and a bakery in Abu Zuhur, 6th December 2017. (via Idlib Media Centre)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes which struck various buildings including civilian homes, a school and a bakery in Abu Zuhur, 6th December 2017. (via Idlib Media Centre)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes which struck various buildings including civilian homes, a school and a bakery in Abu Zuhur, 6th December 2017. (via Idlib Media Centre)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes which struck various buildings including civilian homes, a school and a bakery in Abu Zuhur, 6th December 2017. (via Idlib Media Centre)
  • he aftermath of airstrikes which struck various buildings including civilian homes, a school and a bakery in Abu Zuhur, 6th December 2017. (via Syrian Network for Human Rights)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military
Official source

The Russian Ministry of Defence announced being active in unspecified parts of Syria until December 11th, 2017.


Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–3
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (11) [ collapse]