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 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

Incident date

April 10, 2017

Incident Code

RS2109

LOCATION

قسطون, Qastoun village, Hama, Syria

One civilian was reported injured in airstrikes, thought to be Russian, on Qastoun village in Hama. 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
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

April 10, 2017

Incident Code

RS2103

LOCATION

قرية اللج , Al Laj village, Homs, Syria

Activists of Smart News Agency reported that an unspecified number of civilians were killed and wounded in an air bombardment on the village of Al Laj. The source added that it was “thought to be Russian”. Al Laj is a village in the eastern Homs countryside, and was controlled by Islamic State. There are no

Summary

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

Incident date

April 10, 2017

Incident Code

RS2110

LOCATION

عقيربات, Akeirbat, Hama, Syria

Local sources reported that heavy shelling on Akeirbat in Hama killed as many as 34 civilians. One source attributed the airstrikes to Russian warplanes, while the other blamed the Syrian regime.  The reports varied significantly, as one source reported 34 civilians were killed, including 11 children, while another source only reported that multiple civilians were

Summary

First published
April 10, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
34
(11 children)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

April 9, 2017

Incident Code

RS2099

LOCATION

داعل, Dael, Daraa, Syria

One civilian was killed and three injured in an airstrike in Dael, Dara’a, according to local media sources –  though it was unclear whether Russia or Assad’s regime were responsible. The strike hit the field hospital “Nabd Houran”, which according to Alaraby provided medical services to over 100,000 people. One nurse was killed in the

Summary

First published
April 9, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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 belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 9, 2017

Incident Code

RS2098

LOCATION

كفرزيتا, Kafr Zita, Hama, Syria

Two children were wounded in an airstrike in Kafr Zita, according to local media sources – though it was not clear whether Russia or the Assad regime were responsible. Whilst most sources attribute responsibility to Russia, a tweet from @B.Alhamwi, stated that “Assad’s gangs” had struck Kafr Zita and wounded two children.  Activists who spoke

Summary

First published
April 9, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
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, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

April 9, 2017

Incident Code

RS2102

LOCATION

سراقب, Saraqeb, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians were killed in an airstrike in Saraqeb, Idlib, according to local media sources – though it was not clear whether Russia or the Assad regime were responsible. Almost all of the known sources that reported on this event, regardless of belligerent, noted that internationally banned phosphorous bombs were used. Al Jazeera’s correspondent in

Summary

First published
April 9, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
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 9, 2017

Incident Code

RS2101

LOCATION

سرمين, Sarmin, Idlib, Syria

Up to two civilians were killed and four injured in an alleged Russian airstrike in Sarmin, Idlib, according to local media sources. The head of the Centre for Civil Defense reportedly told Smart News that the Russians bombed the city with rockets using the “Sukhoi 35” aircraft, killing a woman and wounding four civilians, including

Summary

First published
April 9, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 woman)
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 9, 2017

Incident Code

RS2100

LOCATION

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

Two civilians were killed and three others injured in an airstrike in Ma’arat Al-Nu’man, Idlib, according to local media sources – though it was not clear whether the Assad regime or Russia were responsible. All of the known sources that reported on this attack, aside from RFS Media Office, attributed responsibility to Russian forces. Halab

Summary

First published
April 9, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 8, 2017

Incident Code

RS2097

LOCATION

طيبة, Tayba, Daraa, Syria

Three children were killed in an airstrike in Tayba, Dara’a, according to local media sources – though it was not clear whether Russia or Assad’s regime were responsible. Local media Facebook page, Mohammed Al-Rifaei, named the three children who died in the attack and attributed responsibility to Russian forces.  Whilst most sources suggested that Russia

Summary

First published
April 8, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(3 children)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 8, 2017

Incident Code

RS2096

LOCATION

طريق السد, Sadd Neighbourhood, Daraa, Syria

Seven to nine civilians, including two women and two children, were killed in an airstrike in the Sadd neighbourhood in Dara’a, according to local media sources – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Assad regime were responsible. Seven civilians were listed in the Violations Documentations Centre with their cause of death recorded as

Summary

First published
April 8, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 9
(2 children2 women3–5 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
9 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 8, 2017

Incident Code

RS2094

LOCATION

نصيب, Nasib, Daraa, Syria

An eight year old child was killed in an airstrike in Nasib, Dara’a, according to local media sources – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Assad regime were responsible. Most known sources for this event did not positively identify the aircraft. Step News reported that “Russian aircraft intensified raids yesterday [8th]…targeting two villages

Summary

First published
April 8, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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 8, 2017

Incident Code

RS2093

LOCATION

اورم الجوز, Orm Al-Jouz, Idlib, Syria

Up to 20 civilians were killed, including two women and seven children, in an alleged Russian airstrike on Orm Al-Jouz, according to multiple sources. All of the known sources attributed responsibility to Russian warplanes or suspected Russian warplanes. Qasioun News reported that “five raids with rockets and other cluster bombs” were carried out on Orm Al-Jouz.

Summary

First published
April 8, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
14 – 20
(7 children2 women9 men)
Civilians reported injured
19–21
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
18 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 8, 2017

Incident Code

RS2092

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians were killed and the son of one of them injured in an alleged Russian airstrike in Khan Sheikhoun, according to local media sources. All of the known sources identified Russian warplanes as being responsible for the attack. Most sources reported that one female civilian had been killed and her son injured, however, the Violations

Summary

First published
April 8, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 woman1 man)
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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 8, 2017

Incident Code

RS2091

LOCATION

دارة عزة, Darat Izza, Aleppo, Syria

Up to three civilians were killed and others injured in an airstrike in Darat Izza, Aleppo, according to local media sources – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Assad regime were responsible. Whilst most sources attributed responsibility of the event to Russia, the Syrian Network for Human Rights pointed towards the “Syrian-Russian alliance”,

Summary

First published
April 8, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(1 child1 woman)
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 8, 2017

Incident Code

RS2092a

LOCATION

جسر الشغور, Jisr al Shoughour, Idlib, Syria

A child was reportedly killed and others injured in an alleged Russian airstrike in Jisr al Shoughour, according to local media sources. Idlib Media Centre, who specified that it was a child that was killed, added that it was during three air raids by Russian forces on the city. The raids struck the “Christian quarter”

Summary

First published
April 8, 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
View Incident

Incident date

April 7, 2017

Incident Code

RS2086

LOCATION

الزكاة, Al Zakat village, Hama, Syria

Local media named 22-year-old Ahmad Khaled al Daher al Kaisouha as killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Al Zakat village. According to Hama News Centre, the victim died “due to his wounds sustained in a Russian raid on the village of al Zakat in northern Hama.”  

Summary

First published
April 7, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
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 7, 2017

Incident Code

RS2090

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

One child was killed and two others injured in airstrike in Douma, according to local media sources – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Assad regime was responsible. Freedomraise News, who attributed responsibility for the event to Assad’s regime, detailed that “two rocket attacks were carried out at 4:30 pm today, the first hit

Summary

First published
April 7, 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 7, 2017

Incident Code

RS2089

LOCATION

بداما, Bdama, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians were reportedly injured following an airstrike in Bdama, Idlib, according to local media sources. It is not clear who was responsible for the event, whilst the majority of the sources blamed Russia, one mentioned the Assad regime. Step News reported that “Russian air force carried out a massive airstrike targeting the town of

Summary

First published
April 7, 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, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

April 7, 2017

Incident Code

RS2088

LOCATION

اللطامنة, Lataminah, Hama, Syria

Four civilians were named as being killed in an alleged Russian airstrike in al Latamna, Hama.  The Violations Documentation Centre in Syria listed their deaths as a result of “warplane shelling” from “Russian troops”. The death toll included one child and one woman. The only other known source that reported on this event was the Syrian

Summary

First published
April 7, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(1 child1 woman2 men)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 7, 2017

Incident Code

RS2087

LOCATION

حيش, Heesh, Idlib, Syria

Up to 16 civilians were killed and six others wounded following an airstrike in Heesh, Idlib, according to local media sources – though it is not clear who was responsible for the event. Whilst most sources attributed responsibility to Russian warplanes, some mentioned Assad’s regime and others didn’t positively identify a belligerent. Smart News, who

Summary

First published
April 7, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9 – 16
(2 children5 women2 men)
Civilians reported injured
6–7
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
9 named
View Incident