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 17, 2017

Incident Code

RS2137

LOCATION

معرة حرمة, Ma’arat Hurma, Idlib, Syria

Ten civilians – a grandmother and her nine grandchildren from the Al Nabo family – died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Ma’arat Hurma, according to local media. Up to another 13 civilians were reportedly wounded. Sources added that prior to the “massacre” killing the family, warplanes carried out two other strikes on the outskirts of

Summary

First published
April 17, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9 – 10
(9 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
5–13
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
10 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

April 17, 2017

Incident Code

RS2136

LOCATION

شنان, Shanan, Idlib, Syria

At least five and as many as dozens of civilians were injured in an airstrike on a hospital in Shana, local media reported. Most sources blamed Russia, though there was an allegation against the regime. According to Jisrtv, “The hospital in the village of Shanan was put out of service by the bombing of the

Summary

First published
April 17, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
5–24
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

April 17, 2017

Incident Code

RS2135

LOCATION

معرة الارتيق , Ma’arat Al-Arteek, Aleppo, Syria

An unspecified number of civilians were wounded in a strike on Ma’arat Al-Arteek, according to sources on the ground. Only the Smart News agency pointed directly to Russia; other sources didn’t apportion blame.

Summary

First published
April 17, 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 17, 2017

Incident Code

RS1234

LOCATION

Sumairiya, Aleppo, Syria

A woman and her two children were injured in an airstrike on Sumairiya, local sources said. Syria Mirror reported: “Field activists said that on Monday 17 April 2017, warplanes attacked civilian houses in the village of Sumairiya in the southern suburb of Aleppo, injuring one mother and two children, as well as causing physical damage to

Summary

First published
April 17, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
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, Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

April 16, 2017

Incident Code

RS2133

LOCATION

دوما , Douma, Damascus, Syria

At least one civilian died and an unspecified number more were wounded in an air or artillery strike on Douma, local media said. According to sources, there were heavy air and artillery strikes – including regime actions – on Douma on this day. The Smart News Agency reported: “Russian warplanes targeted residential areas in the

Summary

First published
April 16, 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

April 16, 2017

Incident Code

RS2132

LOCATION

سوحا , Suha, Hama, Syria

A single source, the Smart News agency, reported: “A number of civilians were killed and wounded by a Russian air strike on the village of Suha, 30 kilometers east of Hama city, in the center of Syria, a local source told the Smart newspaper on Sunday. “The source added that the raids targeted the homes

Summary

First published
April 16, 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 16, 2017

Incident Code

RS2131

LOCATION

بداما , Bdama, Idlib, Syria

According to the Smart News Agency, “On Sunday, April 16, 2017, three civilians, including a woman, were injured in an air strike on the town of Badama in the western suburb of Idlib. The warplanes responsible are likely to be Russian”. Jirsrtv reported: “the Civil Defense said that two people were injured by air strikes

Summary

First published
April 16, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
2–3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

April 16, 2017

Incident Code

RS2130

LOCATION

كفرزتيا , Kafr Zita, Hama, Syria

Two named children died and three male civilians were wounded in an alleged Russian or regime airstrike on Kafr Zita, according to sources on the grounds. Several reports said that “rocket-propelled grenades with parachutes” were used in the attack. Smart News Agency reported that “two children were killed and three men were wounded on Sunday when

Summary

First published
April 16, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(2–3 children3 men)
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

April 15, 2017

Incident Code

RS2129

LOCATION

معرة النعمان , Maarat al Numan, Idlib, Syria

One adult-male civilian died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Maarat al Numan, according to the Violations Documentation Centre. The Smart News Agency reported “warplanes that are likely to be Russian launched  raids on the towns of Ma’arat al-Nu’man, Jisr al-Shughur, Kafr Nabal, Bara, Kafr Safra, and al-Barajithi villages, resulting in injuries.”  

Summary

First published
April 15, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
1–2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 14, 2017

Incident Code

RS2127

LOCATION

various locations, Idlib, Syria

According to the Step News Agency, “Russian air raids, some of them with phosphorous bombs targeted the towns of Khan_shikhun, #Tremala, #Kafarsgana, and #Serja, south of Idlib, with reports of casualties.” No further details are currently available.

Summary

First published
April 14, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
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 14, 2017

Incident Code

RS2125

LOCATION

عقيربات , Akeirabat, Hama, Syria

The Step News Agency reported: “Russian warplanes launched two raids targeting the vicinity of Akeirabat  in the eastern Hama countryside, resulting in civilian casualties.” According to the Smart News Agency, “Three civilians, including a woman, were wounded by artillery shelling of the town of Aqrabat”.

Summary

First published
April 14, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
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

Incident date

April 14, 2017

Incident Code

RS2124

LOCATION

السخنة , Sokhna, Homs, Syria

An unspecified number of civilians were injured in alleged Russia airstrikes on Sokhna, according to two local sources. 2baddiyy tweeted: “The Russian occupation aircraft targeted the city of Sokhna northeast of the city of # Palmyra with several raids causing the destruction of civilian homes and injuring a number of people.” Step also reported that an

Summary

First published
April 14, 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 14, 2017

Incident Code

RS2128

LOCATION

بصرة الشام , Basra al Sham, Daraa, Syria

Local media named one adult male as killed in an airstrike on Basra al Sham. Only the Violations Documentation Centre identified Russia as the culprit; the other two sources didn’t apportion blame.

Summary

First published
April 14, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 13, 2017

Incident Code

RS2123

LOCATION

مراط , Merat, Deir Ezzor, Syria

An unspecified number of civilians were wounded by an alleged Russian airstrike “by napalm bombs” on Merat, according to local media. No further details are currently available.

Summary

First published
April 13, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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 belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

April 13, 2017

Incident Code

RS2122

LOCATION

السكرية و محميل , Sukariya and Muhmil, Idlib, Syria

Four or five civilians, reportedly from the same family, died in an airstrike on Sukariya and Muhmil in rural Idlib, according to local media. All but one source blamed Russia. Syria Mirror: reported: “Russian warplanes launched several air strikes with rocket-propelled grenades at communities in the village of Sukariya in the eastern countryside of the city

Summary

First published
April 13, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
(2 children2 women)
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
5 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

April 13, 2017

Incident Code

RS2121

LOCATION

معرة التعمان , Ma’arat Al-Nu’man, Idlib, Syria

One or two civilians died and several others were wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes on Ma’arat Al-Nu’man, according to sources on the ground. Step News Agency reported that “two civilians were killed and several wounded as a result of two Russian air raids on residential areas in the town of Ma’ra al-Nu’man in rural Idlib.” Other

Summary

First published
April 13, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

April 12, 2017

Incident Code

RS2120

LOCATION

جسر الشغور , Jisr al shoughour, Idlib, Syria

An unspecified number of civilians were killed and two more wounded in up to 10 Russian strikes on Jisr al shoughour, according to local media. Sources reported the use of phosphorous, napalm, cluster bombs, and rocket-propelled grenades in the attacks. According to Aljazeera, “civilians were killed and others were injured in heavy night raids by

Summary

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

Incident date

April 11, 2017

Incident Code

RS2119

LOCATION

كفركرمين, Kafr Karmin, Aleppo, Syria

One child – a six-year-old girl – died and up to six more civilians including another child and two women were wounded in an alleged Russian or regime airstrike on Kafr Karmin on the night of April 11th-12th, according to local media. Qasioun reported: “A girl was killed and others were wounded early today [April 12th],

Summary

First published
April 11, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
2–6
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

April 11, 2017

Incident Code

RS2117

LOCATION

بداما , Bdama, Idlib, Syria

Between two and six civilians including a child died and up to eight more were wounded in an alleged Russia airstrike on the road between Bdama and Hambushiyah in the countryside of Idlib, according to local media. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, “a child and a man were killed and eight others were injured

Summary

First published
April 11, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 6
(1 child1–5 men)
Civilians reported injured
3–8
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 11, 2017

Incident Code

RS2116

LOCATION

بزيت, Bezeit village, Jisr al Shoughour countryside, Idlib, Syria

One civilian died and several others were injured in an alleged Russian airstrike on Bezeit village in the Jisr al Shoughour countryside, multiple local sources reported. According to the Step News Agency, “Russian planes launched a phosphorous raid targeting Bezeit in Jisr al Shoughour killing one person and injuring others.” Other sources also reported the use

Summary

First published
April 11, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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 11, 2017

Incident Code

RS2115

LOCATION

Idlib, Syria

One named civilian was wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Idlib city, according to a single source. According to the Smart News Agency, “the destruction was caused by Russian air strikes on the perimeter of the Cariton building in the city of Idlib on 11 April 2017, which resulted in the injury of a

Summary

First published
April 11, 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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 11, 2017

Incident Code

RS2114

LOCATION

كفرزيتا , Kafr Zita, Hama, Syria

Local media reported that one child died and several others were wounded in an airstrike on Kafr Zita. All sources but one blamed Russia. However, the Syrian Network for Human Rights also pointed to the regime, reporting that “the child Abdullah Mostafa Arafat, age 6, was killed when the Syrian- Russian alliance warplanes missiles fired on

Summary

First published
April 11, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 10, 2017

Incident Code

RS2113

LOCATION

تل_الدهب , Tal Al Dahab, Idlib, Syria

Two members of the civil defence were reported wounded in an alleged Russia airstrike on Tal Al Dahab. The Smart News Agency reported: “The media official of the civil defence in the Jisr Al-Shughour district, Duraid Haj Hammoud, told the Smart’s correspondent that the raid targeted the village of Tal Dahab, wounding a civil defence member

Summary

First published
April 10, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
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 10, 2017

Incident Code

RS2108

LOCATION

السخنة, Al-Sukhna, Homs, Syria

Smart News reported that an airstrike struck the village of Al-Sukhna, causing the deaths of three people and wounding others. The strikes were thought to be conducted by Russian warplanes.  One of those killed was a woman and another was reportedly a member of ISIS, although it is not clear whether or not this person

Summary

First published
April 10, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(0–1 women1–2 men)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

April 10, 2017

Incident Code

RS2112

LOCATION

إدلب, Idlib, Syria

Two consecutive airstrikes in Idlib city, believed to be executed by Russian warplanes, allegedly wounded two civilian women and caused significant damage to property and infrastructure. The Idlib governorate had seen an intensification of bombardments in the days before, despite the announced truce previous December.  There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
April 10, 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

April 10, 2017

Incident Code

RS2106

LOCATION

كفرناها, Kafr Naha, Aleppo, Syria

Multiple airstrikes struck the towns of Ouweijal and Kafr Naha in western Aleppo, causing an unspecified number of wounded civilians. All sources attributed the strike to Russian warplanes. Some sources alleged that phosphorus and cluster munitions were used. Multiple civilians were reported wounded and fires were caused.  There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
April 10, 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

April 10, 2017

Incident Code

RS2111

LOCATION

جسر الشغور , Jisr Al-Shoughour, Idlib, Syria

Sources reported the Syrian Civil Defence were struck in a suspected Russian airstrike during raids on the outskirts of Jisr Al-Shoughour in western Idlib. Three civilians were reportedly injured, including a Syrian Civil Defence volunteer. One source alleged the use of phosphorus bombs. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
April 10, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
Civilians reported injured
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 10, 2017

Incident Code

RS2104

LOCATION

بلدة حور , Hour village, Aleppo, Syria

Local media reported on the killing of a shepherd and his daughter due to multiple airstrikes in the village of Hour in western Aleppo. Sources reported that the strikes were likely Russian, although some sources alleged they were launched by the Syrian regime. Most sources reported the use of cluster bombs. “Multiple” civilians were wounded

Summary

First published
April 10, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2–5
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
View Incident

Incident date

April 10, 2017

Incident Code

RS2105

LOCATION

عويجل, Ouweijal, Aleppo, Syria

According to sources, multiple airstrikes struck the towns of Ouweijal and Kafr Naha  in western Aleppo wounding an unspecified number of civilians. All sources attributed the blame to Russian warplanes. Most sources alleged that phosphorus and cluster munitions were used. Multiple civilians were reported wounded and fires were caused.  There are no other details at

Summary

First published
April 10, 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

April 10, 2017

Incident Code

RS2107

LOCATION

دارة عزة , Dira’t Izza, Aleppo, Syria

An alleged airstrike hit the village of Dira’t Izza causing severe destruction. Some sources attributed the strike to Russian warplanes, whereas others alleged they were conducted by the Syrian regime. One civilian was reportedly killed. A total of 15 other civilians were reportedly injured. According to the Syrian Civil Defence team, they managed to pull

Summary

First published
April 10, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2–15
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
View Incident