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

date

March 27, 2018

Incident Code

RS3347

LOCATION

الهبيط, Al Habit, Idlib, Syria

Shaam Network reported that “Russian and Syrian regime warplanes launched air strikes on the cities and towns of Barah, Kafrnbell, Mhmbel, Alia, Nukir, Habit, Altmanah and Hass and Kafroma” in Idlib, Syria on March 27th, 2018, “causing deaths and injuries among civilians”. While @abduhaveez and @RFS_mediaoffice blamed the Syrian regime for the airstrike on Al

Summary

Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected attackers
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

date

March 27, 2018

Incident Code

RS3348

LOCATION

التمانعة, Al Taman'a, Idlib, Syria

Civilians were reported injured and/or killed in alleged Russian forces or Syrian regime forces’ airstrikes on Al Taman’ah in Idlib, Syria on March 27th, 2018 according to local sources. According to SMART Agency, “Activists added that it is possible that Russian warplanes launched four raids on residential neighborhoods in the town of Al-Taman’ah, south of

Summary

Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected attackers
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

date

March 27, 2018

Incident Code

RS3349

LOCATION

حاس, Has, Idlib, Syria

Several civilians were reported injured and/or killed in alleged Russian forces or Syrian regime forces airstrikes on Hass in Idlib, Syria on March 27th, 2018 according to local sources. The sources reported that the area was targeted at least with two raids while others reported that four raids were launched. The Syrian Observatory for Human

Summary

Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
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 attackers
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

date

March 27, 2018

Incident Code

RS3350

LOCATION

كفر رومة, Kafar Rouma, Idlib, Syria

According to Sham Network, “Russian and Syrian regime warplanes launched airstrikes on the cities and towns of Barah, Kafrnbell, Mhmbel, Alia, Nukir, Habit, Altmanah and Hass and Kafroma, causing the deaths and injuries among civilians.’ on March 27th, 2018. The number of civilians killed and/or injured in Kafroma is not known.

Summary

Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected attackers
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

date

March 27, 2018

Incident Code

RS3343

LOCATION

هجين, Hajin, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Thirteen civilians were reportedly killed in alleged Russian airstrikes in Hajin city on March 27th, 2018, according to local sources. SyriaTV reported that “13 civilians were killed and others injured Tuesday [March 27, 2018] in a town under the control of the Islamic State in the eastern suburb of Deir Ezzor, as a result of airstrikes

Summary

Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility, School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
13
Civilians reported injured
2
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected attacker
Russian Military
View Incident

date

March 26, 2018

Incident Code

RS3336

LOCATION

حرش الهبيط, Harsh Al Habit, Idlib, Syria

Civilians were possibly injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on the town of Harsh Al Habit, Idlib governorate, on March 26th, 2018, according to Shaam News Network. @IdlibPlus tweeted that “Russian warplanes targeted several raids on the outskirts of the town of Harsh Habit in the southern countryside of Idlib.” @HalabTodayTV’s correspondent also reported Russian airstrikes on

Summary

Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected attacker
Russian Military
View Incident

date

March 26, 2018

Incident Code

RS3337

LOCATION

النقير, Al Naqir, Idlib, Syria

A number of civilians were reported injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on Al Naqir in Idlib, Syria on March 26th, 2018 according to local sources. According to @IdlibPlus: “Russian warplanes, using vacuum missiles, targeted the outskirts of Al-Naqir village in southern Idlib countryside.” However, only one of the two sources – the Shaam News Network

Summary

Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
2
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected attacker
Russian Military
View Incident

date

March 26, 2018

Incident Code

RS3338

LOCATION

حرش عابدين, Harsh Abdin, Idlib, Syria

Civilians were possibly injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on the town of Harsh Abdin, Idlib governorate, on March 26th, 2018, according to Shaam News Network. @RFS_mediaoffice reported that “this morning, Russian warplanes attacked the woods of the town of Adbin in the southern Idlib countryside with missiles loaded with cluster bombs.” @HadiAlabdallah tweeted that “Russian

Summary

Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected attacker
Russian Military
View Incident

date

March 26, 2018

Incident Code

RS3339

LOCATION

التمانعة, Al Taman'a, Idlib, Syria

Civilians were possibly injured in alleged Russian airstrikes or Syrian regime artillery strikes on the town of Al Taman’a, Idlib governorate, on March 26th, 2018, according to Shaam News Network. @Wateen_media reported that “Russian occupation aviation targets the vicinity of the town of Al Taman’a with several airstrikes with vacuum missiles.” @RFS_mediaoffice, however, reported Syrian

Summary

Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected attackers
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

date

March 26, 2018

Incident Code

RS3340

LOCATION

أريحا, Ariha, Idlib, Syria

Civilians were possibly wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes on the town of Ariha, Idlib governorate, on March 26th, 2018, according to Shaam News Network. Shaam News Network reported the following: “Russian aircraft launched fierce air raids on the cities and towns of Ariha, Al Taman’a, Harsh Abidin, Al Naqir, Harsh Al Habit in the southern countryside,

Summary

Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected attacker
Russian Military
View Incident

date

March 26, 2018

Incident Code

RS3333

LOCATION

زرزور, Zarzour, Idlib, Syria

Alleged Russian airstrikes on the town of Zarzour, Idlib governorate, on March 26th, 2018, reportedly led to injured civilians, according to Shaam News Network. Shaam reported that “Russian aircraft launched fierce air raids on the cities and towns of Ariha, Al Taman’a, Harsh Abidin, Al Naqir and Harsh Al Habit in the southern countryside, and

Summary

Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected attacker
Russian Military
View Incident

date

March 26, 2018

Incident Code

RS3341

LOCATION

القادرية, Al Qadriya, Idlib, Syria

A 12-year-old girl reportedly died due to a heart attack as she escaped her school in the village of Al Qadriya when the area was targeted by alleged Russian or Syrian regime warplanes. @mohanadalshekh reported that Lujain Rashid (12) from Al Qadriya village in Jisr Al-Shughour countryside died “as a result of the stopping of the

Summary

Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Cause of injury / death
Accidents related to conflict
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected attackers
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

date

March 26, 2018

Incident Code

RS3334

LOCATION

الصفيات, Al Safyat, Idlib, Syria

A number of civilians were reported injured in  airstrikes on Al Safyat in Idlib, Syria on March 26th, 2018. While multiple sources reported strikes, only one, the Shaam News Network (SNN), mentioned civilian harm. According to SNN, “Russian aircraft launched fierce air raids on the cities and towns of Ariha and Al Taman’a and Harsh

Summary

Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected attackers
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

date

March 26, 2018

Incident Code

RS3342

LOCATION

كفر نبل, Kafr Nabil, Idlib, Syria

One civilian was reportedly killed and an unknown number of civilians was injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on a camp for displaced people near the city of Kafr Nabal, Idlib countryside, on March 26th, 2018, according to local sources. Idlib Media Center reported “a martyr and several wounded as a result of the targeting of the

Summary

Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
5
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected attacker
Russian Military
View Incident

date

March 26, 2018

Incident Code

RS3335

LOCATION

جسر الشغور, Jisr Al Shugour, Idlib, Syria

Civilians were possibly injured in alleged Russian and/or Syrian regime airstrikes on Jisr Al Shugour, Idlib governorate, on March 26th, 2018, according to Shaam News Network. @RFS_mediaoffice reported that “Syrian regime warplanes launched several airstrikes with rockets on the city of Jisr Al Shughour in the western Idlib countryside”. Step News Agency reported that warplanes targeted

Summary

Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
0–2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected attackers
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

date

March 25, 2018

Incident Code

RS3116

LOCATION

مديرا, Madera, Damascus, Syria

A single source reported that an unspecified number of civilians were killed and wounded in air and artillery strikes on Madera, local media reported. The source blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids. Activists said the “raids were accompanied by rocket and artillery bombardment and the explosive barrel of the regime’s forces.”

Summary

Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected attackers
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

date

March 25, 2018

Incident Code

RS3117

LOCATION

اوتيا, Otaya, Damascus, Syria

A single source reported that an unspecified number of civilians were killed and wounded in air and artillery strikes on Otaya, local media reported. The source blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids. Activists said the “raids were accompanied by rocket and artillery bombardment and the explosive barrel of the regime’s forces.”

Summary

Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected attackers
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

date

March 25, 2018

Incident Code

RS3113

LOCATION

حوش الصالحية, Hawsh Al Salihya, Damascus, Syria

A single source reported that an unspecific number of civilians were killed and wounded in air and artillery strikes on Hawsh Al Salihya, local media reported. The source blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids. Activists said the “raids were accompanied by rocket and artillery bombardment and the explosive barrel of the

Summary

Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected attackers
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

date

March 23, 2018

Incident Code

RS3329

LOCATION

زملكا, Zamalka, Damascus, Syria

An unknown number of civilians was killed or injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the city of Zamalka, Damascus governorate, on March 23rd, 2018, according to local sources. The Local Coordination Committees of Syria reported that civilians were killed and wounded as the result of Russian airstrikes on the city of Zamalka.

Summary

Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
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 attackers
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

date

March 23, 2018

Incident Code

RS3330

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

Up to 10 civilians were reported killed and an unknown number of others were injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Douma, Damascus governorate, on March 23rd, 2018, according to local sources. Enab Baladi reported that an alleged Russian warplane “targeted the residential neighbourhoods of the city with 30 strikes, loaded with incendiary

Summary

Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 10
(4 men)
Civilians reported injured
2
Causes of injury / death
Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN), 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 attackers
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
4 named
View Incident

date

March 23, 2018

Incident Code

RS3331

LOCATION

عين ترما, Ein Tarma, Damascus, Syria

Step Post Agency reported that Russian aircraft launched several air raids on the city of Ain Tarma, Eastern Ghouta, on March 23rd, 2018, resulting in dead and wounded civilians. Step Agency posted on Facebook that “Russian aircraft launched several air raids targeting the cities of Douma, Arbin, Zamalka and Ain Tarma in Eastern Ghouta, resulting

Summary

Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected attacker
Russian Military
View Incident

date

March 23, 2018

Incident Code

RS3332

LOCATION

معرة مصرين, Ma'aret Misrin, Idlib, Syria

Up to five civilians were killed and three civilians were reported injured in alleged Russian and/or Syrian regime airstrikes on the city of Ma’aret Misrin, Idlib governorate, on March 23rd, 2018, according to local sources. Activist Jaber Abu Muhammed told Al Araby that “Russian air forces launched raids on the town of Ma’aret Misrin and

Summary

Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 5
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
3
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 attackers
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

date

March 22, 2018

Incident Code

RS3326

LOCATION

حارم, Harem, Idlib, Syria

Between 34 and 43 civilians were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on a popular market area in the city of Harem, Idlib, on Thursday afternoon. The estimated number of injured civilians goes from “dozens” to 70 people. Initial reports estimated the death toll at around 20 civilians, but the Syrian Civil Defence stated that they

Summary

Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
34 – 43
(10–17 children2–8 women24 men)
Civilians reported injured
20–70
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected attacker
Russian Military
Named victims
32 named, 5 families identified
View Incident

date

March 22, 2018

Incident Code

RS3325

LOCATION

دوما , Douma, Damascus, Syria

Two male civilians, including a journalist, were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes or Syrian regime artillery strikes on a market in Douma, Damascus governorate, on March 22nd, 2019, according to local sources. Douma Revolution posted on Facebook that Fozdika shells were launched upon a popular market in Douma, leading to the death of Suhayeb A’yyoun

Summary

Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
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 attackers
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

date

March 22, 2018

Incident Code

RS3327

LOCATION

زملكا, Zamalka, Damascus, Syria

Between 16 and 25 civilians were killed and up to 200 were wounded in aerial and artillery strikes on residential neighbourhoods in the city of Zamalka, Eastern Ghouta. Several sources claimed Russian forces were responsible for the attack, whereas others blamed the Assad regime. Rami Abdul Rahman, director of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights,

Summary

Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
16 – 25
(1 woman3 men)
Civilians reported injured
90–200
Causes of injury / death
Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN), 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 attackers
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
4 named
View Incident

date

March 22, 2018

Incident Code

RS3328

LOCATION

عربين, Arbin, Damascus, Syria

47 people, among which 17 women, including three pregnant women, and 17 children, were killed by airstrikes on a shelter in the city of Arbin, Eastern Ghouta, in the night of March 22nd, 2018. Conflicting reports blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the attack. @N_workMediaHoms tweeted that warplanes dropped more than 30 barrels

Summary

Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
44 – 47
(17 children17 women16 men)
Civilians reported injured
20–50
Causes of injury / death
Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN), 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 attackers
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
50 named, 14 families identified
View Incident

date

March 21, 2018

Incident Code

RS3322

LOCATION

عين ترما, Ayn Tarma, Damascus, Syria

Between four and eight civilians, including two children and two women, died in alleged Russian or regime air or artillery or rocket strikes on Ayn Tarma, according to sources on the ground. There were conflicting reports blaming both Russia and the regime, and it remains unclear which party was responsible for the civilian harm. Initial

Summary

Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 8
(2 children2 women)
Civilians reported injured
2
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 attackers
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

date

March 21, 2018

Incident Code

RS3323

LOCATION

حرستا, Harasta, Damascus, Syria

At least one civilian was killed and several civilians, among which children, were wounded in alleged artillery and airstrikes on the city of Harasta. Conflicting reports blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime. While most sourced mentioned 1 casualty, @hmadaataya reported on Twitter that nine civilians were killed. Smart News Agency reported that more than

Summary

Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 9
Civilians reported injured
2
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 attackers
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

date

March 21, 2018

Incident Code

RS3324

LOCATION

كفر بطيخ, Kafr Batikh, Idlib, Syria

In what sources on the ground referred to as “a horrific massacre”, up to 22 civilians, between 16 and 19 of them children, were killed and dozens more civilians were wounded in airstrikes by alleged Russian aircraft in Kafr Batikh. Local sources told New Arab that a Russian warplane bombed the school of the village

Summary

Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
19 – 22
(16–19 children3 women)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
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 attacker
Russian Military
Named victims
19 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

date

March 20, 2018

Incident Code

RS3312

LOCATION

عين ترما, Ein Tarma, Damascus, Syria

Between three and seven civilians including a child were reportedly killed, and many others injured in an alleged Russian and/or Syrian regime forces airstrike on Ein Tarma, March 20th 2018, according to local media sources. Syrian Civil Defense stated that three civilians were reportedly killed after eight raids targeted the area, with rockets carrying cluster

Summary

Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 7
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
2–20
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 attackers
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident