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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 26, 2017

Incident Code

RS2174

LOCATION

اللطامنة, Lataminah, Hama, Syria

One civilian was injured in an airstrike in Lataminah, Hama, according to local media sources – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Assad regime were responsible. Hama News Centre reported that “Russian air raids targeted al Latamna hospital”; they added that it caused huge destruction to the hospital and injuring one member of

Summary

First published
April 26, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
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

April 26, 2017

Incident Code

RS2175

LOCATION

رسم العويد, Rasim Al Ouweid, Hama, Syria

Three civilians were reportedly killed and two injured in an alleged Russian airstrike in Rasim Al Ouweid, Hama – though only one known source has reported on this event. According to Smart News Agency there were five civilian casualties from a bombardment of likely Russian warplanes. Their local source told them “the aircraft bombed the

Summary

First published
April 26, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child)
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 26, 2017

Incident Code

RS2176

LOCATION

جسر الشغور, Jisir Al-Shoghour, Idlib, Syria

Civilians were reportedly wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike in Jisr al Shoghour – though only one known source reported on the event. Smart News Agency reported “activists wounded in warplane shelling believed to be Russian on the town of Jisr al Shoghour.” It was not clear how many civilians were wounded in this attack.

Summary

First published
April 26, 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 26, 2017

Incident Code

RS2171

LOCATION

معرشورين, Ma'ar Shureen, Idlib, Syria

Up to four civilians were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike in Ma’ar Shureen, Idlib, according to local media sources.  In keeping with other known sources that reported on this incident, Zaitoun stated: “A martyr and a number of wounded in a town in the southern Idlib countryside were killed as Russian warplanes targeted the

Summary

First published
April 26, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 4
Civilians reported injured
2–24
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
View Incident

Incident date

April 26, 2017

Incident Code

RS2172

LOCATION

الجانودية, Al Janoudia, Idlib, Syria

Up to six civilians were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike in al-Janoudiya, Jisr al-Shughour, according to local media sources. Media activist, Musab Ahmed Orabi, was among those dead. However, none of the sources were clear as to whether he was one of the five civilians killed or an additional death. He was working with

Summary

First published
April 26, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 6
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2–7
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 26, 2017

Incident Code

RS2173

LOCATION

جدار معراتا, Jidar Miraata, Idlib, Syria

At least ten civilians were killed in an airstrike in Jidar Miraata, according to local media sources – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Assad regime were responsible. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, who could not positively identify a belligerent, reported that the al-Jidar camp was targeted which killed ten people, including

Summary

First published
April 26, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 10
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2–20
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

April 25, 2017

Incident Code

RS2167

LOCATION

عقيربات, Akeirbat, Hama, Syria

Several civilians were wounded in an airstrike in Akeirbat, Hama, according to local sources – though it was not clear who was responsible for the strikes. Smart News Agency reported that “Russian planes launched several raids targeting Akeirbat and the surrounding area in Hama, leading to several civilian wounded.” However, the only other two known

Summary

First published
April 25, 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 25, 2017

Incident Code

RS2169

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

Up to four civilians were injured in an airstrike in Douma, eastern Damascus, according to local media sources – though it was not clear whether Russia or the Assad regime were responsible. The Facebook page, Douma Revolution, did not positively identify a belligerent but they reported that one of the injured was evacuated after “warplanes

Summary

First published
April 25, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
2–4
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

April 25, 2017

Incident Code

RS2168

LOCATION

أبو حواديد, Abu Hawadid, Hama, Syria

Up to seven civilians were killed or injured in an airstrike in Abu Hawaid, Hama, according to Smart News Agency. Their source stated that two civilians were killed and five others injured, when the unidentified aircraft struck the village that was under the control of ISIS. Smart added that two members of ISIS were also

Summary

First published
April 25, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

April 24, 2017

Incident Code

RS2165

LOCATION

كفر تخاريم, Kafr Tkharim, Idlib, Syria

Local sources reported that as many as 15 civilians were killed, and between five and ten were wounded, following an airstrike in the mountainous vicinity of Kafr Tkharim, al Duweila mountain. All sources blamed Russian warplanes for this strike. It must be noted there were two separate airstrikes on Kafr Tkharim on the 24th April 2017. One

Summary

First published
April 24, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 15
(1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
5–10
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
View Incident

Incident date

April 24, 2017

Incident Code

RS2162

LOCATION

أم المياذن, Um Almayathen, Daraa, Syria

A single source reported that “seven civilians from one family, including two children, were seriously injured, following the destruction of their home by Russian air strikes on the town of Um Almayathen. The civil defence team brought the wounded from the rubble and helped them to nearby field hospitals.” There are no other details at this

Summary

First published
April 24, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
Civilians reported injured
7
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

April 24, 2017

Incident Code

RS2164

LOCATION

كفر تخاريم, Kafr Tkharim, Idlib, Syria

Between two and 12 civilians were killed – and four were wounded – in an airstrike on Kafr Takharim hospital, local media reported. All sources blamed Russian warplanes for the raid.  It must be noted there were two separate airstrikes on Kafr Tkharim on the 24th April 2017. One occurred in the mountainous region of al Duweila, and

Summary

First published
April 24, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 12
Civilians reported injured
4
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 24, 2017

Incident Code

RS2166

LOCATION

بسنقول, Bsanqoul, Idlib, Syria

Seven civilians were killed and others injured in an alleged Russian airstrike in Bsanqoul, according to local media sources. Both Halab Today and AMC Aleppo reported that seven civilians had been killed, but neither positively identified a belligerent. All other known sources attributed responsibility to Russia, but did not provide a death toll – they

Summary

First published
April 24, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
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
View Incident

Incident date

April 24, 2017

Incident Code

RS2163

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

Eight civilians were killed – including children – and as many as 15 were wounded, following an attack on a popular market selling sells vegetables, fruits and nuts in Khan Sheikhoun. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, with some blaming the Syrian regime and others blaming Russia. SHRC reported that the strike happened at approximately

Summary

First published
April 24, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 8
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
10–15
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
8 named
View Incident