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

January 5, 2018

Incident Code

RS2850

LOCATION

الغدقة , al Ghadka, Idlib, Syria

One or two civilians including a child died in an alleged Russian or regime airstrike on al Ghadka, local media reported. According to @shahed-alep, “two were killed and wounded as a result of helicopters targeting the town of al Ghardka in the countryside of Idlib”. Sources named Taj al- Din al- Othman Madani, an adult male,

Summary

First published
January 5, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 child1 man)
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

January 5, 2018

Incident Code

RS2848

LOCATION

مسرابا, Masraba, Damascus, Syria

Warplanes struck the residential neighbourhood of Masraba, killing one man and wounding dozens of civilians, local media reported. Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime. Dozens of civilians were allegedly injured, including two children and three women. @Halap-today tweeted that the renewed Russian airstrikes hit Masraba, Madera and Irbid. They did not report on

Summary

First published
January 5, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
9–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 5, 2018

Incident Code

RS2849

LOCATION

مالحة, Malha, Idlib, Syria

At least one civilian was killed and others were wounded in airstrikes which struck Malha, according to local media. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, most attributing blame to Russia, while one source blamed the Syrian regime. However, the Step News Agency blamed both belligerents. They did not report on any civilian

Summary

First published
January 5, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

January 5, 2018

Incident Code

RS2851

LOCATION

عربين, Arbeen, Damascus, Syria

Three civilians were killed and dozens more were wounded in air and artillery strikes which hit Arbeen, local media reported. Sources blamed both the Syrian regime and Russia for the raids. Baladi News was the only source to specify that three civilians were killed. According to the Smart News Agency, an entire family was killed

Summary

First published
January 5, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

January 3, 2018

Incident Code

RS2844

LOCATION

مسرابا, Masraba, Damascus, Syria

In what has been described by local media as a “massacre”, 23 civilians were reported killed and as many as 80 more were wounded in airstrikes on the residential neighbourhood of Masraba. Local media was conflicted as to who was to blame. Most sources attributed the civilian harm to Russia, however a number of sources

Summary

First published
January 3, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
11 – 23
(1–3 children4–13 women1 man)
Civilians reported injured
40–80
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
20 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 3, 2018

Incident Code

RS2853

LOCATION

تل الطوقان, Tal Al-Toukan, Idlib, Syria

Seven civilians were killed – including an entire family of five – according to local media in airstrikes on Tal Al-Toukan. Dozens were also wounded in the raids. Sources blamed bot the Syrian regime and Russia for the raids which damaged a Mosque as well as residential homes. Mustafa Haj Yousuf, director of the Syrian

Summary

First published
January 3, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 7
(1 child3 women1 man)
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
5 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 3, 2018

Incident Code

RS2847

LOCATION

العنز, Al-Anz, Hama, Syria

Two civilians were wounded in airstrikes which struck the vicinity of Al-Anz. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. Elaph News blamed both the Syrian regime and Russia, reported that civilians were wounded in strikes on the towns of Latamna, Murk, Shakuzia, Rihan and Anz. Smart News specified that two civilians were injured

Summary

First published
January 3, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

January 3, 2018

Incident Code

RS2843

LOCATION

قطرة, Qatra, Idlib, Syria

A male child was killed and an unspecified number of other civilians wounded in suspected Russian airstrikes in Qatra. Local media either blamed Russia or did not attribute blame to a belligerent. One source reported sighting “military aircraft”. Media reported that “great destruction” was caused. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
January 3, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 3, 2018

Incident Code

RS2842

LOCATION

مشفى السلام,, Ma'arat Nu'man - Al Salam hospital, Idlib, Syria

An alleged Russian ore regime airstrike hit Ma’arat Nu’man’s Al Salam hospital, killing up to five civilians including a newly born baby, according to sources on the ground. RFS put the death toll at two with 10 more wounded. Alquds blamed the regime, reporting that the hospital was put out of service, and that a man

Summary

First published
January 3, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 5
(1 child)
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
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 3, 2018

Incident Code

RS2846

LOCATION

عربين , Arbeen, Damascus, Syria

The Smart News Agency reported: “The Civil Defense in the countryside of Damascus said six civilians from one family, including two children and a woman, were killed and others injured, as a result of Russian raids overnight on residential neighborhoods in the city of Arbeen.”. The Step News Agency also put the death toll at

Summary

First published
January 3, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
(2 children1 woman)
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
Belligerents reported killed
2
View Incident

Incident date

January 2, 2018

Incident Code

RS2840

LOCATION

عربين, Arbeen, Damascus, Syria

One was killed and several civilians were wounded – including women and children – in a continuous air and artillery bombardment which hit the residential neighbourhood of Arbeen, local media reported. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. Many blamed Russia, some blamed the Syrian regime and others remained impartial. @syriahr – who

Summary

First published
January 2, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2–17
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 2, 2018

Incident Code

RS2835

LOCATION

التح, Al-Tah, Idlib, Syria

Two children were reportedly wounded in airstrikes conducted in Al-Tah. Most sources said  that Russian warplanes were to blame for the raids. There were no reports of civilian deaths. Baladi News did not report on civilian harm, stating only that “Russian warplanes launched dozens of intensive raids on several cities and towns of the southern

Summary

First published
January 2, 2018
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

January 2, 2018

Incident Code

RS2836

LOCATION

الهيمانية, Al-Haymaniya, Hama, Syria

A young man was killed by airstrikes which raided the village of Al-Haymaniya in Hama. Sources either blamed Russia or did not attribute blame. A number of civilians were reportedly injured however local media did not specify how many. According to Baladi, “Russian warplanes launched air raids with high-explosive missiles on the village of Haymaneya

Summary

First published
January 2, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 2, 2018

Incident Code

RS2837

LOCATION

سراقب, Saraqeb, Idlib, Syria

A bakery was hit with alleged Russian warplanes, causing the death of one civilian and the injury of another in Saraqeb. Most sources reported that Russian warplanes were to blame for the raids. DCHRS however reported that a civilian was “was shot by unknown source”. The bakery was reportedly rendered out of use, and there

Summary

First published
January 2, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
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 belligerents
Russian Military, Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 2, 2018

Incident Code

RS2838

LOCATION

اورم الجوز, Urme Al-Jooz, Idlib, Syria

One man was killed, and as many as five civilians were injured  – including a woman – in airstrikes on Urme Al-Jooz, local sources reported. Only two sources blamed Russian raids, while the others did not attribute blame. Footage published shows fires engulfing infrastructure. The Syrian Civil Defence wrestled to put out the flames. Local

Summary

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

January 2, 2018

Incident Code

RS2839

LOCATION

اورم الكبرى, Urme Al-Kobra, Idlib, Syria

A single source reported that civilians were “killed and wounded by raids of warplanes are likely to be Russian on the town of Urme Al-Kubra south Idlib”. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
January 2, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
Civilians reported injured
1–2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

January 2, 2018

Incident Code

RS2834

LOCATION

خان السبل, Khan Al-Subul, Idlib, Syria

Local media reported a “massacre” whereby as many and seven civilians died and dozens more were wounded in Khan Al-Subul. Most sources blamed Russia, however some blamed the Syrian regime. A number of sources reported sighting warplanes but did not identify them. The warplanes struck residential homes, according to local media, with seven consecutive raids,

Summary

First published
January 2, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 7
(4–5 children1–3 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, Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

December 31, 2017

Incident Code

RS2830

LOCATION

كفرسجنة, Kafr Sajneh, Idlib, Syria

Between five and eight civilians, including children and women, were killed and “dozens” were left wounded following heavy aerial shelling in Kafr Sajneh, Idlib, carried out by either the Syrian regime or Russia, local sources reported. There were reports that a popular market as well as homes in the town were struck. The reported death

Summary

First published
December 31, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 8
(1 child1 man)
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
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 31, 2017

Incident Code

RS2831

LOCATION

الهلبة, al-Halba, Idlib, Syria

One or two civilians, reportedly both children, were killed and several other non-combatants were left wounded following aerial shelling of al-Halba, Idlib, carried out by either Russia or the Syrian regime, local media reported. While most sources reported one fatality, a few sources reported the death of two civilians, such as the Violations Documentation Center

Summary

First published
December 31, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1–2 children)
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
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 31, 2017

Incident Code

RS2832

LOCATION

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

One civilian was killed and several others were left wounded as an alleged Assad or Russian-waged airstrike hit Ma’ret Al Nu’man, Idlib, local media reported. @aladeyeh and Masar Press, who both identified Russia as the culprit, reported one fatality and two wounded. Meanwhile, @OsamaKaial reported that the strike had wounded several civilians. It was the

Summary

First published
December 31, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

December 31, 2017

Incident Code

RS2833

LOCATION

كفر حرمة, Ma’aret Harma, Idlib, Syria

Between one and five civilians, including one woman, were killed and up to “dozens” more were left wounded following aerial shelling of Ma’aret Harma, Idlib, local media reported. Sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. Following the incident, Fresh News’ correspondent reported that a woman was

Summary

First published
December 31, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 5
(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, Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 30, 2017

Incident Code

RS2829

LOCATION

اللطامنة, Lataminah, Hama, Syria

High explosive missiles struck Lataminah, leaving several civilians wounded, according to local media. All sources either attributed blame to Russia, or did not identify a belligerent. Only an unspecifiied number of civilians were reported injured, but there were no reports of fatalities. According to Arab48 News, there was a “heavy bombardment with missile launchers, without

Summary

First published
December 30, 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 29, 2017

Incident Code

RS2827

LOCATION

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

As many as three civilians were killed, and three to five others were wounded, in airstrikes which struck a residential neighbourhood and market in Ma’arat Nu’man, according to local media. Sources blamed both the Syrian regime and Russian warplanes. Dw News also reported that a hospital was partially damaged in the raid, however they were

Summary

First published
December 29, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(1 child1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
3–5
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
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 29, 2017

Incident Code

RS2828

LOCATION

زكاة, Zakat, Hama, Syria

Two to three civilians were injured by alleged Russian aircraft bombing in Zakat, local media reported. Sources all blamed Russian warplanes for the strikes. @HamahNow reported that “one woman and two children” were wounded. Shbaballatamneh3 added that the bombing by Russian warplanes included the use of missiles. According to Arab48, “Russian warplanes launched a series of

Summary

First published
April 29, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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 29, 2017

Incident Code

RS2825

LOCATION

الخوين, Al Khwain, Idlib, Syria

An unspecified number of civilians were killed and wounded in air and artillery strikes on Al Khwain, according to reports from the ground. Local sources either attributed the blame to the Syrian regime or to Russia. The only civilian harm allegation is from Step News Agency who reported that “The Russian and Syrian air raids

Summary

First published
December 29, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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

December 29, 2017

Incident Code

RS2826

LOCATION

التمانعة, Al Taman'a, Idlib, Syria

One civilian was injured, and an unspecific number were killed, in air and artillery strikes which struck Al Taman’a, according to sources on the ground. Local media blamed both the Syrian regime and Russian warplanes for the civilian harm. Orient News reported that “helicopters threw several barrels of explosives” on the vicinity. A local source,

Summary

First published
December 29, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
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 belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

December 28, 2017

Incident Code

RS2821

LOCATION

الصرمان, Al Sarman, Idlib, Syria

Between two and three civilians were killed, and six others were wounded – including women and children – in airstrikes which struck Al Sarman. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, with both Russian warplanes and Syrian regime helicopters receiving allegations. There is some confusion over how many civilians were killed. The Violations

Summary

First published
December 28, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(1 child1–2 women)
Civilians reported injured
3–6
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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 28, 2017

Incident Code

RS2822

LOCATION

المشيرفة, Mushrifah, Idlib, Syria

A mother and between three and five children were killed in airstrikes which “targeted” their home in Mushrifah, local media reported. Sources were conflicted as to who was responsible, with some attributing blame to Moscow, while others pointed to the Syrian regime. Manahi Al Ahmad reported that the victims died as a result of “targeting

Summary

First published
December 28, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 6
(3–5 children1 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
7 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 28, 2017

Incident Code

RS2823

LOCATION

بابولين, Baboulin, Idlib, Syria

Two or three civilians including two children were killed and an unspecified number were wounded in airstrikes which hit Baboulin, according to local media. Sources blamed both the Syrian regime and Russian warplanes for the raids. According to some sources, Syrian regime helicopters dropped four explosive barrel bombs on the vicinity. Aircraft also allegedly “targeted

Summary

First published
December 28, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(2 children)
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 28, 2017

Incident Code

RS2824

LOCATION

تحتايا, Tahtaya, Idlib, Syria

Two airstrikes which hit Tahtaya killed three civilians and wounded another three, according to local media. Sources blamed both the Syrian regime and Russian warplanes for the airstrikes. Despite @AjamiNetwork reporting there were no civilian casualties, all other sources reported on civilian harm. According to Baladi News, the victims were pulled out of the rubble

Summary

First published
December 28, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
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
View Incident