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

May 1, 2017

Incident Code

RS2207A

LOCATION

جبل ابو الظهور , Abo Al Zohour mountain, Idlib, Syria

In this single-source event, Smart News Agency reported that airstrikes, likely to be Russian, hit the mountain of Abu al Dhouhour in Idlib, wounding six civilians, including children and women. There is currently no further information available.

Summary

First published
May 1, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
6
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

May 1, 2017

Incident Code

RS2207

LOCATION

جبل شاعر, Jabal Sha'er, Homs, Syria

Alleged Russian warplanes carried out air raids in Jabal Shaer, a mountain area near Homs, and wounded several civilians, local media reported. According to @fawaaaa4, Russian airstrikes allegedly hit “the mountains of Shaer and Jazel”. This source who also added that the strikes had hit Beduin communities. Both sources mentioned that the raids had caused

Summary

First published
May 1, 2017
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

May 1, 2017

Incident Code

RS2206

LOCATION

عربين, Arbin, Damascus, Syria

One civilian was killed and up to seven were wounded in alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrikes on Arbin, Damascus, according to sources on the ground. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that “a warplane targeted areas in Arbin city in the Eastern Ghouta consecutively with four missiles. This was followed by with 20

Summary

First published
May 1, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 30, 2017

Incident Code

CS759 RS2209

LOCATION

عويجل, Oweijal, Aleppo, Syria

Between 13 and 16 civilians died and four were injured in an “unexplained” explosion in the village of Oweijal, local media said – though it was unclear whether the Coalition, the Syrian regime or Russia were to blame. Most sources blamed the Syrian regime for the strikes. An unspecific numbers of civilians were wounded, however

Summary

First published
April 30, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
13 – 16
(4–9 children4–5 women)
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
US-led Coalition, Syrian Regime, Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

April 30, 2017

Incident Code

RS2203

LOCATION

عقيربات, Akeirbat, Hama, Syria

Five civilians, including two women and a child, were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes, local media reported. Bombs hit tents of displaced people on the outskirts of the town under Islamic State control, according to Smart News Agency. An additional four civilians were wounded, some critically.

Summary

First published
April 30, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(1 child2 women)
Civilians reported injured
4
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

April 30, 2017

Incident Code

RS2202

LOCATION

السخنة, Al-Sokhna , Homs, Syria

A shepherd died and several other civilians were wounded in the an alleged Russian bombardment on Al-Sokhna in eastern Homs, Step News reported. It was among several airstrikes that hit the surrounded area.

Summary

First published
April 30, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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

April 29, 2017

Incident Code

RS2200

LOCATION

كفرزيتا , Kafr Zita, Hama, Syria

Up to nine civilians including eight members of the civil defense died in alleged Russian and Syrian regime airstrikes in an “unprecedented bombing campaign” on Kafr Zita, according to local media. Eight of the victims were killed in a strike on a civil defense shelter, including Hassan Hammoud Arfat, a paramedic and Ahmad Nayef al

Summary

First published
April 29, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 9
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
7 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

April 28, 2017

Incident Code

RS2199

LOCATION

كفرزيتا , Kafr Zita, Hama, Syria

Local media reported the death of one named adult-male civilian – a blind man – in an alleged Russian airstrike on the Ubaida ibn al-Jarrah mosque in Kafr Zita. According to SHRC, Russian warplanes initially targeted a hospital next to the mosque – and then returned to strike the mosque itself. Smart reported:  “A journalist

Summary

First published
April 28, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
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

April 28, 2017

Incident Code

RS2198

LOCATION

السلمية مغيزيل, Mgheizal village, al Silmiya district, Hama, Syria

A woman and two children were killed in alleged Russian raids on Mghezel, east of Hama, according to a single source. Three other civilians were reportedly  wounded during strikes on civilian houses in the village controlled by ISIS. Some were later rushed to hospital in the city Deir Ezzor. No further details are currently available.

Summary

First published
April 28, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

April 28, 2017

Incident Code

RS2197

LOCATION

سرمين, Sarmin, Idlib, Syria

A child was killed and up to 20 other civilians were injured in alleged Russian and Syrian missile strikes on the town of Sarmin, local media reported. Sources on the ground reported two others were killed by land-to-land cluster bombs. A total of three died and 10 were wounded as a result of Syrian ballistic

Summary

First published
April 28, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
1–20
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
View Incident

Incident date

May 28, 2017

Incident Code

RS2196

LOCATION

سرج,, Sarja, Idlib, Syria

On April 28th, Alhuralhalabi reported “the death of a woman injured by a previous Russian air raid on the village of Sarja in the southern countryside of Idlib.” According to RFS Media Office, “Huda Ahmed Haj Musa was martyred from the town of Sarja in Jebel al-Zawia in rural Idlib because of the injuries she

Summary

First published
April 28, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
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

April 28, 2017

Incident Code

RS2195

LOCATION

خربة قيس, Kherbit Qais village, Idlib, Syria

A woman and a child died following alleged Russian airstrikes in the village of Kherbit Qais in eastern Idlib, according to sources on the ground. Warplanes launched two raids at dawn, according to local sources.

Summary

First published
April 28, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 woman)
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

April 27, 2017

Incident Code

RS2190

LOCATION

درعا البلد, Dara al Balad, Daraa, Syria

Six civilians were wounded, some critically, on the 27th of April 2017 by airstrikes allegedly carried out by Russian warplanes in Daraa al-Balad, according to the Smart News Agency. Aaswat said that the Assad regime also carried out strikes on Dara al Balad.

Summary

First published
April 27, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
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
View Incident

Incident date

April 27, 2017

Incident Code

RS2189

LOCATION

كفرسجنة, Kafr Sajna, Idlib, Syria

Alleged Russian airstrikes killed between one and two civilians and injured two others in Kafr Sanja in Idlib Governorate on the 27th of April. Multiple sources reported that one of the martyrs was a child, and one source identified the other civilian killed as the child’s father.

Summary

First published
April 27, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 child1 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.
View Incident

Incident date

April 27, 2017

Incident Code

RS2188

LOCATION

التمانعة, al Taman’a, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians were reportedly killed and one other was wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes on Al-Tamana in Idlib Governorate on the 27th of April 2017, according to local media.  

Summary

First published
April 27, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
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

April 27, 2017

Incident Code

RS2187

LOCATION

الركايا, al Rakaya village, Idlib, Syria

Four civilians – ‘mostly children’ –  were reportedly wounded in an airstrike on Al-Rakaya in Idlib Governorate on the 27th of April 2017. It is unclear which belligerent was responsible for the strike, as some sources blamed Russia while one other blamed the Syrian regime.  

Summary

First published
April 27, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

April 27, 2017

Incident Code

RS2186

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

Between three and five civilians – one woman and her children – were killed, and a further two were injured in alleged Russian airstrikes in Khan Sheikhoun on the 27th of April 2017, according to sources on the ground. Multiple sources said the victims were displaced people from Helfaya in Hama Governorate. Some sources said

Summary

First published
April 27, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 5
(2 children1 woman)
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

April 27, 2017

Incident Code

RS2185

LOCATION

سرمين, Sarmin, Idlib, Syria

An unspecified number of civilians were reportedly wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes on Sarmin in Idlib Governorate on the 27th of April 2017, according to local media. The Syrian Network for Human Rights was among the majority of sources pointing to Russia. It reported that “ suspected Russian warplanes fired two missiles on al Daraj

Summary

First published
April 27, 2017
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

April 27, 2017

Incident Code

RS2184

LOCATION

سرجة,, Sarja village, Idlib, Syria

‘Intensive air raids’ allegedly conducted by Russian warplanes resulted in the deaths of two sisters and wounded three other civilians in Sarja on the 27th April 2017, according to sources on the ground. According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, “The girls Aisha and Maryam Idris al Ashqar, from Sarja village in Idlib governorate

Summary

First published
April 27, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
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
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

April 27, 2017

Incident Code

RS2194

LOCATION

كفرزيتا, Kafr Zita, Hama, Syria

According to the Step News Agency, “a woman was killed and several of her children injured following Russian raid targeting Kafr Zita in northern countryside of Hama.” The Violations Documentation Centre also named one woman as killed by Russian forces. No further details are currently available.

Summary

First published
April 27, 2017
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

April 27, 2017

Incident Code

RS2193

LOCATION

عويجل , Ouweijal, Aleppo, Syria

Two children died and seven other civilians were  wounded in an alleged Russian airstrikes on the town of Ouweijal in western Aleppo, according to local sources. The Smart News Agency reported the planes were likely bombing a hospital in the town. Three houses collapsed, according to the Syrian News Desk.

Summary

First published
April 27, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
Civilians reported injured
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

April 27, 2017

Incident Code

RS2179

LOCATION

البارة, Al-Bara, Idlib, Syria

Civilians were reportedly wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike in al Bara, Idlib, according to a local media source. Whilst other sources have reported that Russian warplanes conducted a strike in al Bara on this day, only one mentioned civilian harm. Edlib Media Centre reported “wounded fall as a result of the targeting of the

Summary

First published
April 27, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
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

April 27, 2017

Incident Code

RS2183

LOCATION

معرشورين, Maarshurin village, Idlib, Syria

Between four and eight civilians, including two women and two children, were reportedly killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on the village of Ma’ar Shureen on the morning of the 27th of April, according to sources on the ground. The strike reportedly left ‘dozens’ of others wounded. Aljazeera reported that a funeral procession in the

Summary

First published
April 27, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 8
(3–4 children1–2 women3 men)
Civilians reported injured
8–24
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
8 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

April 27, 2017

Incident Code

RS2192

LOCATION

كفرناها , Kafr Naha, Aleppo, Syria

Two children were killed and at least nine other civilians wounded in alleged Russian air strikes on the town of Kafr Naha in the western Aleppo countryside, according to sources on the ground. The town was hit with “space rockets”, according to the Syrian Civil Defense, killing two children and wounding 10 other civilians, including

Summary

First published
April 27, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
Civilians reported injured
9–14
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

April 27, 2017

Incident Code

RS2191

LOCATION

أورم الكبرى, Orme al Kubra, Aleppo, Syria

A civilian was killed in alleged Russian air strikes on the town of Urme Al Kobra in western Aleppo according to local reports. The Smart News Agency reported: “A member of the civil defense team, Mohammed Abu Adel, said that a civilian was killed after Russian raids on the town of Orme al-Kubra (18 km

Summary

First published
April 27, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2–14
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

April 27, 2017

Incident Code

RS2182

LOCATION

جسر الشغور, Jisr al Shoughour, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians died and up to seven more were wounded in ‘several air raids’ alleged Russian airstrikes on Jisr Al-Shoghour in Idlib Governorate, according to sources on the ground. The Step News Agency reported “two civilians were killed in a bomb attack on Jisr al-Shughour and the surrounding area of al-Janoudiya village in the western

Summary

First published
April 27, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
5–7
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
Named victims
5 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 27, 2017

Incident Code

RS2181

LOCATION

معرة النعمانالحامدية, al Hamidiya, near Maarat al Numan, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians were wounded in air raids in Al-Hamidiya in the southern Idlib Governorate, local media reported. The Smart News Agency blamed Russia, reporting: “Two more civilians were injured following Russian raids on al Hamdidiya near maarat al numan [45 km south of idlib] according to the civil defence Facebook site.” The other sources didn’t

Summary

First published
April 27, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

April 27, 2017

Incident Code

RS2178

LOCATION

دير شرقي, Deir Sharqi, Idlib, Syria

Three civilians were killed and “dozens” wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike in Deir Sharqi, according to local media sources.  The University Hospital in Deir Sharqi, which reportedly was used to primarily treat women and children, was struck. The hospital was destroyed by the strike and taken out of service, according to Smart News, who

Summary

First published
April 27, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
4–12
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

April 27, 2017

Incident Code

RS2177

LOCATION

جسر الشغور, Jisir Al-Shoghour, Idlib, Syria

Four civilians were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike in Ma’ar Zita, Idlib, according to local media sources.  The Shamna medical point was struck and four of the medical staff were killed, Halab Today reported. There was a second strike after the hospital was struck, according to Al Jazeera. They reported that “Russian aircraft re-targeted

Summary

First published
April 27, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(4 men)
Civilians reported injured
10
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