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

December 19, 2017

Incident Code

RS2807

LOCATION

كفر حمرة, Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

One child was killed when remnants of cluster bomb from a previous raid exploded in Kafr Hamra. Only one source blamed Russian airstrikes, while the others didn’t name the culprit. It is unclear when the first raids occurred, however all sources reported that the child in question died on December 19th. There were no reported

Summary

First published
December 19, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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

December 18, 2017

Incident Code

RS2804

LOCATION

تل عمارة, Tal Amara and Hawa, Idlib, Syria

An unspecified number of civilians were reportedly wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes on Tal Amara. All sources blamed Russian warplanes. @insaan_Rights reported that cluster bombs struck the vicinity. There were no reports of civilian deaths.

Summary

First published
December 18, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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

December 17, 2017

Incident Code

RS2803

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

As many as 17 civilians were killed – including ten who were named – as well as 6 or more wounded, in internationally banned Napalm and Phosphorous airstrikes on Khan Sheikhoun, according to local media. Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the “air and artillery strikes” which were conducted in the vicinity.

Summary

First published
December 17, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 17
(2–4 children6–7 women)
Civilians reported injured
6
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
10 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 17, 2017

Incident Code

RS2802

LOCATION

تل الطوقان, Tal Al-Toukan, Idlib, Syria

Local media reported that two civilians were wounded in airstrikes which hit Tal Al-Toukan. All three sources blamed Moscow. Step News Agency reported an unspecific number of “civilian casualties” – which could be dead civilians – however they were the only source to report this. One local source reported rocket fire was used. There are

Summary

First published
December 17, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 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

December 16, 2017

Incident Code

RS2801

LOCATION

زور شمر, Zor Shamer, Raqqa, Syria

Four children (several from the same family) were killed when remnants of a cluster bomb exploded from a previous Russian raid on Zor Shamer on December 16th, according to local media. All sources blamed Russia for the raid. It is unclear when the initial strike occurred, however first reportage of these civilians deaths was 16th

Summary

First published
December 16, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(4 children)
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

December 16, 2017

Incident Code

RS2800

LOCATION

معرشمشة, Mar Shamsha, Idlib, Syria

A number of civilians were reportedly wounded due to airstrikes on Mar Shamsha. Only two sources attributed blame to Russia while the others blamed the Syrian regime for the raids. According to Shbaballatamneh3, two civilians were wounded by Russian rockets. Qasioun on the other hand reported no civilian casualties. Smart News Agency reported that a

Summary

First published
December 16, 2017
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

December 13, 2017

Incident Code

CS1696 RS2799

LOCATION

الجردي الشرقي, Al Jarthi al Sharqi, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Up to 33 named civilians including 16 children and six women died and at least 10 more were wounded in airstrikes on al Jarthi al Sharqi, according to local media. VDC-SY reported that the airstrike was conducted on the 12th of December, whereas our research shows it was in fact on the 13th of December.

Summary

First published
December 13, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
11 – 33
(16 children6 women5 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
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
Named victims
33 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 13, 2017

Incident Code

RS2798

LOCATION

تل الضمان, Tal Al-Daman, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

In airstrikes which reportedly “targeted” a medical centre in Tal Al-Daman, Aleppo, one civilian was killed and others were wounded. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, with most blaming Russia, while a few blamed the Syrian regime. One source didn’t identify the warplanes responsible. Smart News Agency was the only local media

Summary

First published
December 13, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
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

December 12, 2017

Incident Code

CS1695 RS2797

LOCATION

الجردي الغربي, Al Jarthi al Gharbi, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One civilian male was named as killed in an airstrike on al Jarthi al Gharbi. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, some attributing blame to the US-led Coalition, and others to Moscow. The Syrian Network for Human Rights blamed Syrian regime warplanes for his death. But according to Al Haall, Russia was

Summary

First published
December 12, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
4
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 12, 2017

Incident Code

RS2795

LOCATION

التمانعة, Taman'a, Idlib, Syria

A shepherd was injured and ten sheep were killed in alleged Russian “rocket-propelled grenade” fire on Taman’a. There were no reports of civilian deaths. Members of the Syrian Civil Defence reportedly inspected the vicinity and rescued one man from the rubble. He was taken to a medical point. There are no other details at this

Summary

First published
December 12, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
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

December 12, 2017

Incident Code

RS2796

LOCATION

رملة, Ramla village, Khanasser district, southern Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

A single source, the Smart News Agency, reported that “On Tuesday [Dec 12th] civilians were wounded as a result of an air strike that is likely to be a Russian attack on the village of Ramla, south of Aleppo, north of Aleppo.” According to Smart, ten wounded civilians were transferred to medical points in the

Summary

First published
December 12, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
Civilians reported injured
10
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

December 12, 2017

Incident Code

RS2794

LOCATION

الحمرا, Civilian convoy between the villages of Bouyoud and al Andreen in al Hamra district, eastern Hama, Hama, Syria

Between two and five civilians were wounded in an airstrike which struck a bus or car carrying civilians in Al-Hamra, local media said. Sources all attributed blame to Russia. The wounded were transferred to medical points. According to ‘Al Latamna youth group’ on Facebook, ” two civilians were wounded in an air strike by Russian

Summary

First published
December 12, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
Civilians reported injured
2–5
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

December 11, 2017

Incident Code

RS2793

LOCATION

البوحمد, Al Buhamad, Raqqa, Syria

A man was reportedly killed when remnants from an unexploaded rocket detonated. Sources all agreed that the missile was from a previous Russian bombing, though the date of the bombing is unknown. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
December 11, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
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

December 10, 2017

Incident Code

RS2792

LOCATION

برج سبنة, the villages of Burj Sabna and Abu Tina, Aleppo, Syria

A civilian was killed, and four others were wounded, in a series of ten airstrikes on Burj Sabna, Aleppo, local media reported. All sources attributed blame to Moscow. Surface rockets and cluster bombs were reportedly used in the raids, which were a renewed attack from previous weeks. According to Step News, the “villages of Burj

Summary

First published
December 10, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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
View Incident

Incident date

December 8, 2017

Incident Code

RS2790

LOCATION

مخيم البارودية, Baroodiya refugee camp in the village of Jib al-Sukkar in the eastern countryside of Hama., Hama, Syria

An adult female was killed in an airstrike which “targeted” Baroodiya refugee camp in the village of Jib al-Sukkar in the eastern countryside of Hama, local media said. All sources blamed Russian warplanes for the airstrikes. Five civilians were reportedly wounded in the raids. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
December 8, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
5
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

December 8, 2017

Incident Code

RS2789

LOCATION

الزرزور, Al-Zarzoor village in the vicinity of Alkhwain village in the Idlib countryside, Idlib, Syria

As many as nine civilians were killed and three others were wounded in airstrikes on Al-Zarzoor, according to local media. All sources blamed Moscow except for Barada News who attributed blame to the Syrian regime. One source reported that Russia bombed the vicinity four times. Initial reporting suggested that only five civilians had been killed

Summary

First published
December 8, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 9
(4 children2 women)
Civilians reported injured
3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
5 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 8, 2017

Incident Code

RS2788

LOCATION

ثروت, Tharwat, Hama, Syria

Two civilians were “lightly wounded” in airstrikes on Tharwat village in eastern Hama governorate, according to local media. There were no reports of any civilian deaths. Both sources blamed Russian missiles for the attack which reportedly occurred 58 km east of Hama city. According to Smart News, the wounded civilians were transported to a medical

Summary

First published
December 8, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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

December 8, 2017

Incident Code

RS2787

LOCATION

جب ابيض, Jib Abyad village, Aleppo, Syria

A woman was reportedly killed in airstrikes which struck Jib Abyad, Aleppo after midnight. Local media was conflicted as to who was to blame, with Syrian Network for Human Rights blaming the “Russian-Syrian alliance”, while most others blamed Moscow. Most sources reported on the “the martyrdom of a woman and the injury of a man”

Summary

First published
December 8, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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
View Incident

Incident date

December 8, 2017

Incident Code

RS2791

LOCATION

Um Willat village in the southern countryside of idlib, Idlib, Syria

One or two civilians were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Um Willat village in the southern countryside of idlib, according to sources on the ground. The Step News Agency and EdlibEmc1 said that one civilian was wounded. Moreover, EdlibEmc1, published its report on December 8th, while all other sources reported the civilian harm on

Summary

First published
December 8, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
1–2
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

December 6, 2017

Incident Code

RS2786

LOCATION

ابو الظهور, Abu Zuhur, Idlib, Syria

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

Summary

First published
December 6, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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 belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

December 6, 2017

Incident Code

RS2785

LOCATION

السيال, Al-Sayyal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One man was killed and between eight and nine civilians were injured in airstrikes on Al-Sayyal river crossing, according to local media. All sources attributed blame to Moscow. @asharqasouri reported that Dr. Sayed Ahmed Kadouri was injured in the bombing and was transferred to a hospital where he received medial attention. Qasioun News gave the

Summary

First published
December 6, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
1–8
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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 5, 2017

Incident Code

CS1691 RS2781

LOCATION

الجردي, Al Jarthi, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Up to 24 civilians died in an airstrike on Al Jarthi town, local media reported – though it was unclear whether the Coalition, Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. The majority of sources, however, attributed the event to Moscow. According to Al Haal, “Abu Hassan al-Khalifa (a resident of the town) told al-Hal, that

Summary

First published
December 5, 2017
Last updated
March 23, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
23 – 24
(10 children4 women)
Civilians reported injured
10–30
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
15 named, 3 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 5, 2017

Incident Code

RS2784

LOCATION

الشعفةالشامية , al Shamiya crossing in Al-Sha'fa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Six civilians were reportedly killed, and others were “seriously” wounded, in air and artillery strikes on the Al-Sha’fa river crossing in Al-Shamiya. Local media was conflicted as to who was responsible for the strikes, some blaming Russia, while others blamed the Syrian regime. Local media described the incident as a massacre. Euphrates initially reported that

Summary

First published
December 5, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
(6 men)
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
6 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 5, 2017

Incident Code

RS2783

LOCATION

البقعان, Al Baqan, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One civilian, a named adult male, was reportedly killed in airstrikes which hit the river crossing in Al-Baqan. Sources either blamed Russia for the strikes or did not attribute blame to a belligerent. The shelling did not injury any civilians, according to local media. Smart News Agency reported that the strikes were “likely to be

Summary

First published
December 5, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
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

December 5, 2017

Incident Code

RS2782

LOCATION

هجين, Hajeen, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One civilian was killed in an airstrike which hit a river crossing in Hajeen, local sources said. There were no reports of any wounded civilians. Sources mostly blamed Russia for the strikes, however some did not attribute blame. On December 5th, Euphrates Post reported that the strikes occurred two days ago, however all others sources

Summary

First published
December 5, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
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

December 4, 2017

Incident Code

RS2780

LOCATION

السماقة, Samaqa, Hama, Syria

Three civilians were killed – including one woman – and seven others were wounded in air and artillery strikes which struck Samaqa, sources on the ground reported. Local media blamed both Russian warplanes and Syrian regime planes for the strikes. According to ‘Al Latamna Youth gathering’, farm shops or an agricultural factory was hit in

Summary

First published
December 4, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
7
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

December 3, 2017

Incident Code

RS2779

LOCATION

السميرية, Al-Samiriya, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

A teacher and several students were injured in airstrikes which shelled al Samiriya village school in Aleppo, according to local media. All sources either blamed Russian warplanes for the raids, or did not attribute any blame to a belligerent. The rockets and missiles were launched in the vicinity of the school complex, however only partial

Summary

First published
December 3, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
Civilians reported injured
1–3
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

December 2, 2017

Incident Code

RS2778

LOCATION

الشيخ عقيل, Sheikh Akeel, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

A single source reported that alleged Russian warplanes “launched more than five air raids of various types of ammunition on the village of Sheikh Akeel, leaving a number of injured and a large destruction in the residential buildings”. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
December 2, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
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

December 1, 2017

Incident Code

RS2777

LOCATION

الجلاء, Jala'a, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between one and two civilians were killed, including a 12-year-old girl, due to “barbaric shelling” in the town of Jala’a, local media reported. Only one source blamed Russia, while the others blamed “unknown” warplanes. While there were no reports of any wounded civilians, local media did report the destruction of several houses and a medical

Summary

First published
December 1, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child)
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 1, 2017

Incident Code

RS2776

LOCATION

السيال, Sayyala, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians were injured due to the bombing of Sayyala, Aleppo .Sources all blamed Russian warplanes for the raids. Baladi News reported that “several Russian planes were circling the villages of Sayala, Burj Sabna, Muraba’ Saloum and Muraba’ Bisha Square in the southern suburb of Aleppo, wounding a number of civilians, including critical cases.” Local

Summary

First published
December 1, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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