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

March 25, 2017

Incident Code

RS2027

LOCATION

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

Between two and nine civilians, including women and children, were wounded when the village of Ma’arat Al-Nu’man, Idlib, was hit by aerial shelling, local media reported, though it was unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. Mustapha al Gharib, a media manager in the civil defence in Maarat al Numan, told Smart that

Summary

First published
March 25, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
2–9
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

March 25, 2017

Incident Code

RS2026

LOCATION

حمورية, Hamouriya, Damascus, Syria

In this major incident, referred to by many sources as “a massacre”, alleged Russian or Assad-launched airstrikes on Hamouriya, Damascus killed up to 18 civilians, including women and children, and wounded between 24 and 80 more, local media reported. Residential areas in Hamouriya, eastern Ghouta, Damascus, were reportedly struck by heavy aerial shelling on March

Summary

First published
March 25, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
12 – 18
(1–8 children6 women9 men)
Civilians reported injured
24–80
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Named victims
16 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 24, 2017

Incident Code

CS614 RS2025

LOCATION

Ma'ari school, Bado neighbourhood, Raqqa, Raqqa, Syria

Up to six civilians including two children and two women died, and as many as five civilians were wounded, in an airstrike on the Bado neighbourhood of Raqqa, according to local media, though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of the US led Coalition or Russian warplanes. Palmyra Media Center reported

Summary

First published
March 24, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 6
(1–2 children1–2 women)
Civilians reported injured
5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 24, 2017

Incident Code

RS2024

LOCATION

حلفايا, Halfaya, Hama, Syria

Airstrikes, carried out by either the Syrian regime or Russia, wounded three civilians in the town of Halfaya, local media reported Syrian Mirror said that the strikes led to “casualties”, without further specification. The remaining two sources reported that the airstrikes wounded several people. According to Smart News’ correspondent, “warplanes launched raids on the town of

Summary

First published
March 24, 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

March 24, 2017

Incident Code

RS2023

LOCATION

رسم حميدة, Rasim Hamida, Homs, Syria

Two or three civilians were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on the village of Rasim Hamida in Jabr al-Jarrah, Homs, local media reported. An activist who spoke to Smart News said that the airstrikes killed two men and seriously wounded a woman. But according to al-Araby, three civilians died. Both sources pointed to Russia as the

Summary

First published
March 24, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
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

March 24, 2017

Incident Code

RS2022

LOCATION

اورم الجوز, Urme Al joz, Idlib, Syria

At least one, but more likely two civilians – a woman and her child – were killed and several more wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes on the village of Urme al-Joz in Idlib, according to sources on the ground. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that “one child and his mother died when suspected Russian warplanes

Summary

First published
March 24, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 child1 woman)
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

March 24, 2017

Incident Code

RS2020

LOCATION

ادلب, Idlib, Syria

As many as 16 civilians, most of them women and one child, were killed and up to 24 were left wounded, when alleged Assad or Russian airstrikes struck a women’s prison in Idlib, local media reported. The attack against the prison, run by the Executive Force of the Syrian Opposition, resulted in at least seven

Summary

First published
March 24, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 16
(1 child10–11 women2 men)
Civilians reported injured
2–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 24, 2017

Incident Code

RS2019

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

On March 24, 2017, one civilian was reportedly killed and up to nine were wounded in an alleged Russia or Syrian regime airstrike on the town of Khan Sheikhoun in Idlib, local media reported. Ahmed Khatib, a correspondent for the Mirror of Syria in Idlib, said that “warplanes carried out several air raids on the

Summary

First published
March 24, 2017
Last updated
June 26, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2–8
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 belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

March 23, 2017

Incident Code

RS2018

LOCATION

ادلب, Idlib City, Idlib, Syria

Several civilians were killed and several more were wounded as airstrikes, allegedly carried out by Russia or the Syrian regime, struck Idlib Electricity Company in the centre of Idlib city, local sources reported. What was described as “heavy air raids” by @shahed_alep reportedly killed up to two civilians and wounded as many as four. @News_truth_ reported that the

Summary

First published
March 23, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 23, 2017

Incident Code

RS2017

LOCATION

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

Up to two civilians were killed and as many as seven more were wounded following airstrikes that struck the town of Ma’arat al-Nu’man, Idlib, local sources reported – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. Sources said that between one and two civilians were killed in the strikes. Two civilian

Summary

First published
March 23, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
Civilians reported injured
2–7
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
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 23, 2017

Incident Code

RS2016

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

One person died and several were left wounded in an alleged Russian or Assad-waged airstrike that struck Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, local sources reported. All known sources reported one civilian casualty, most likely a woman. AMC Aleppo’s reporting hinted that it was a male victim while @alikrarrkar and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights believed it was  woman.

Summary

First published
March 23, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
1–2
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

March 23, 2017

Incident Code

RS2015

LOCATION

كفرزيتا, Kafr Zita, Hama, Syria

One civilian was killed and several wounded as alleged Russian airstrikes struck the town of Kafr Zita, Hama, local media reported. RFS Media Office reported that “the town of Kfar Zeita was targeted by more than 20 raids resulting in the death of a martyr and several wounded.” RFS Media Office and Step News Agency

Summary

First published
March 23, 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

May 23, 2017

Incident Code

RS2252

LOCATION

حمادة عمر, Hamada Omar, Hama, Syria

At least one civilian, a child, was killed and others were wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes against the village of Hamada Omar near Al Akeirbat in eastern Hama, according to local media and activists. Local sources that reported on the incident either named Russia as the culprit, including Al Hadath Magazine and Step News Agency,

Summary

First published
March 23, 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

March 22, 2017

Incident Code

RS2014

LOCATION

حلفايا, Halfaya , Hama, Syria

Five named civilians were reportedly killed and several other civilians were wounded in alleged strikes by Russian or regime warplanes on Halfaya, Hama, on March 22nd or 23rd, local sources reported. The road between al-Majdal and Halfaya village in Hama was reportedly struck by both air and artillery bombardment on either March 22nd or 23rd.

Summary

First published
March 23, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(1 child1–2 women4 men)
Civilians reported injured
1–2
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
6 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 22, 2017

Incident Code

RS2013

LOCATION

سخنة, Sukhna, Homs, Syria

Four civilians were reported to have been wounded in an airstrike in Sukhna, according to local media sources – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Assad regime were responsible. Smart News Agency placed responsibility for the attack on Russia, claiming that it wounded four civilians. It should be noted however, that this was

Summary

First published
March 22, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
4
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

March 22, 2017

Incident Code

RS2012

LOCATION

اريحا, Ariha, Idlib, Syria

Three civilians were reported  wounded following an airstrike with a phosphorous bomb attack in Ariha, Idlib, according to local media sources – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Assad regime were responsible for the attack. Smart News, who also reported the attack to be a phosphorous bomb attack, stated that “six more raids

Summary

First published
March 22, 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

March 22, 2017

Incident Code

RS2011

LOCATION

عين ترما, Ain Tarma, Damascus, Syria

Two civilians were reported killed and several others wounded in airstrikes on Ain Tarma, according to local media sources – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Assad regime were responsible for the attack. Smart News Agency who reported that the attack was likely to be a Russian air raid, stated that the two

Summary

First published
March 22, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(0–2 children)
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
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 22, 2017

Incident Code

RS2010

LOCATION

منوخ, Manoukh, Homs, Syria

One civilian was reported killed and his wife injured in an alleged Russian airstrike on Manoukh, Homs – though only one known source reported on the event. Step News Agency, who stated that the airstrike was “thought to be Russian”, reported: “The activists said that the aircraft carried out several raids on the village of Manoukh,

Summary

First published
March 22, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
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

March 22, 2017

Incident Code

RS2009

LOCATION

جبل حويسيس, Jabal Huweisses, Homs, Syria

Four civilians were reported killed and others injured in an alleged Russian airstrike on Jabal Huweisses, Homs – though there was only one known source for the event. Smart News Agency reported: “Four civilians were killed and others injured in an airstrike thought to be Russian on a city, village and mountain under the control of

Summary

First published
March 22, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
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

March 22, 2017

Incident Code

RS2008

LOCATION

كفرحوت, Kafr Hout, Aleppo, Syria

Up to two civilians were reported killed and others injured in an airstrike on Kafr Hout, Southern Aleppo, according to local sources – though it was unclear whether Russia or Assad’s regime were responsible for the attack. According to Step News Agency, “the Russian warplanes targeted the village of Kfar Hout with three air strikes,

Summary

First published
March 22, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
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

March 22, 2017

Incident Code

RS2007

LOCATION

درعا البلد, Dara'a Al-Balad, Daraa, Syria

Up to two civilians were killed in an airstrike on Daraa al Balad, according to local media sources – though it is unclear who was responsible for the attack. Some sources attributed responsibility to Russian forces; some mentioned weapons known to be used by the Assad regime and some didn’t positively identify the aircraft. Nabaa

Summary

First published
March 22, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 man)
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

March 22, 2017

Incident Code

RS2006

LOCATION

كفر زيتا, Kafr Zita, Hama, Syria

One woman was reported killed and several injured in an alleged Russian airstrike on Kafr Zita, according to multiple local media sources. The Violations Documentation Centre in Syria named the civilian who was killed and listed her cause of death as “warplane shelling” from “Russian troops”. All known sources for this event attributed responsibility to

Summary

First published
March 22, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
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

March 22, 2017

Incident Code

RS2005

LOCATION

الطيبات, Al Taibat, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians were reported killed and others wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Al Taibat, Idlib – according to local media sources. Smart News reported that two “unknown people” were killed in the attack. This was corroborated by both LCCSY and Syrian Network for Human Rights, both of whom reported that Russian warplanes were

Summary

First published
March 22, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
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 belligerents
Unknown, Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 22, 2017

Incident Code

RS2004

LOCATION

جسر الشغور, Jisir Al-Shoghour, Idlib, Syria

Four civilians were killed and up to five injured in an air or artillery strike on Jisir Al-Shoghour, according to local media sources – though it is unclear whether Russia or the Assad regime were responsible for the event. Akhbar News, who put the death toll at four killed and five wounded, reported that “Russian aircraft

Summary

First published
March 22, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(2 children2 men)
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
Named victims
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 21, 2017

Incident Code

RS2000

LOCATION

Idlib city, Idlib, Syria

According to the Step News Agency, Russia carried out raids on Idlib on March 21st, resulting in “news of civilian casualties”. @HosamAlhaji said that an airstrike “targeted a building opposite the Carlton Hotel”, resulting in material damage. No other sources mentioned civilian harm.

Summary

First published
March 21, 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

March 21, 2017

Incident Code

RS2003

LOCATION

عقيربات, Akeirbat, Hama, Syria

One child was reported killed and others wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Akeirbat, Hama, according to one local source – Smart News Agency. Smart reported: “a child is killed and others wounded in raids thought to be Russian on the outskirts of Akeirbat in eastern Hama”. There were no other known sources for

Summary

First published
March 21, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(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

March 21, 2017

Incident Code

RS2002

LOCATION

الغوطة الشرقية, Eastern Ghouta, Damascus, Syria

A single source, the Smart News Agency, reported that 23 civilians were killed and 109 others wounded in numerous airstrikes from both Assad’s regime and Russia across Eastern Ghouta, Damascus. Smart News Agency used the Civil Defense as a source and reported that a spokesperson for them said: “among the dead were five children and

Summary

First published
March 21, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
23
(5 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
109
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerents
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

March 21, 2017

Incident Code

RS1998

LOCATION

Ma'arat Al Nu'man, Idlib, Syria

Air raids on the outskirts of Ma’arat Al Nu’man wounded up to seven civilians, local media reported. The Aleppo Media Centre claimed Russian aircraft bombarded the city with phosphorus shells.

Summary

First published
March 21, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
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
View Incident

Incident date

March 21, 2017

Incident Code

RS2001

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

One child was reported killed and potentially another injured – though it is unclear whether it is the same child, in an alleged Russian airstrike on Khan Sheikhoun, according to local media sources.  All known sources for this incident attribute responsibility to Russian warplanes. The Violations Documentation Center in Syria named the child who died in

Summary

First published
March 21, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 21, 2017

Incident Code

RS1997

LOCATION

كفرجوم كفرجوم , Kafr Joum village, western Aleppo countryside, Aleppo, Syria

The “Magic World” area near Kafr Joum was struck by alleged Syrian and Russian planes just after midnight, killing five civilians and wounding at least five others, according to local sources. Civil defence teams worked throughout the airstrikes to rescue those trapped under rubble. While many sources reported nine injured, the Syrian Press Centre claimed

Summary

First published
March 21, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
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