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 21, 2017

Incident Code

RS1996

LOCATION

كماري , Kamari town, Aleppo, Syria

Five civilians were killed and 10 injured by alleged Russian airstrikes southwest of Aleppo, Smart News reported. The raids reportedly struck the town at night, killing a woman and child, as well as three men. Rescue teams worked for five hours to recover those trapped under the rubble.

Summary

First published
March 21, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
7–10
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

RS1999

LOCATION

كفرسجنة, Kafr Sajna, Idlib, Syria

Up to three civilians including one child were reported killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Kafr Sajna, according to local media sources. All of the sources who attributed responsibility for the event stated that it was Russian warplanes that struck Kafr Sajna that day. According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, “suspected Russian

Summary

First published
March 21, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(1 child1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 20, 2017

Incident Code

RS1995

LOCATION

eastern Ghouta, Damascus, Syria

A child was among at least two civilians killed by alleged Russian or Syrian air or artillery strikes in the besieged eastern towns of eastern Ghouta, according to sources on the ground. Al Jazeera reported 15 dead. Schools in the area closed due the proximity of the strikes, according to SMART News, who blamed both Russia

Summary

First published
March 20, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 15
(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
View Incident

Incident date

March 20, 2017

Incident Code

RS1994

LOCATION

دبسي الفرج دبسي أبو عاصي , Abu A’ssi village, Dibsi village and Dibsi al Faraj villages, Raqqa, Syria

A mother and her four children were among 11 civilians killed and 20 wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes on villages in northern Syria, Smart News Agency reported. A further 20 civilians were reportedly wounded. According to the Smart News Agency, “Thirty-one civilians, including children and women, were killed and wounded by air strikes by Russian

Summary

First published
March 20, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
11
(4 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
20
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

March 20, 2017

Incident Code

RS1993

LOCATION

جسر الشغور , Jisir Al Shoghour, Idlib, Syria

Between two and seven civilians including two women died in alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrikes on the residential neighbourhoods of Jisr Al-Shoghour, according to local sources. A further eight civilians , including four women, were allegedly injured. Baladi, Alaraby and Sdusyria put the death toll at three civilians. IkhwanSyria put the death toll still higher, at seven civilians

Summary

First published
March 20, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 7
(2 women)
Civilians reported injured
2–8
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
8 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 20, 2017

Incident Code

RS1992

LOCATION

كفركرمين , Kafr Karmin, Aleppo, Syria

Several civilians were reported wounded following two airstrikes on the village of Kafar Karmin in western Aleppo countryside. Only one source, the Step News Agency, blamed Russia; the others didn’t apportion blame, referring only to “warplanes”.

Summary

First published
March 20, 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

March 20, 2017

Incident Code

RS1991

LOCATION

التوامة , Al Tawame, Aleppo, Syria

Alleged Russian airstrikes wounded civilians Al Tawame, in the countryside of western Aleppo, local sources reported. According to the Step News Agency, “Russian aircraft launched several air strikes with vacuum missiles  targeting the vicinity of the town”.

Summary

First published
March 20, 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 belligerents
Russian Military, Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

March 20, 2017

Incident Code

RS1989

LOCATION

النشمي, Al Namshi village, Hama, Syria

Two civilians were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Al Namshia village, east of Hama, the Smart News Agency reported. No further details are currently available.

Summary

First published
March 20, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

March 19, 2017

Incident Code

RS1988

LOCATION

سوحا, Soha village, Hama, Syria

Two people were killed and a further two were injured in what was ‘likely’ a Russian airstrike in Soha village in eastern Hama Governorate on March 19th 2017, according to one local source, the Smart News Agency. The attack was reportedly carried out within ISIS territory, and killed a man and his wife – and

Summary

First published
March 19, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
(0–1 women0–1 men)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

March 19, 2017

Incident Code

RS1987

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

Raids carried out by warplanes led to the deaths of four civilians including a woman and two children and wounded a further 12 people, sources said. It is unclear who was responsible for these attacks, with some reports blaming the Russians and others accusing the regime. Syrian Mirror reported: “Russian warplanes targeted the eastern neighborhood

Summary

First published
March 19, 2017
Last updated
January 31, 2023
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 7
(2 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
10–12
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
13 named, 1 familiy identified
Geolocation
Town
View Incident

Incident date

March 19, 2017

Incident Code

RS1986

LOCATION

كفرناها , Kafr Naha, Aleppo, Syria

One man was killed and four other civilians were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on a residential area in Kafr Naha on 19th March 2017, according to sources on the ground.. The raid reportedly resulted in a fire which led to further damage.

Summary

First published
March 19, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
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
View Incident

Incident date

March 19, 2017

Incident Code

RS1985

LOCATION

مسكنة, Maskana, Aleppo, Syria

Russian warplanes killed between four and seven civilians, including two children and two women, in an alleged attack on the Hittin compound in the the city of Maskanah, local media reported. According to the Step News Agency, “seven civilians, including two children and a woman, were killed and dozens more wounded when Russian warplanes targeted

Summary

First published
March 19, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(2 children2 women)
Civilians reported injured
2–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 19, 2017

Incident Code

RS1984

LOCATION

Idlib city, Idlib, Syria

Between five and six civilians were killed and an unknown number wounded in air strikes allegedly conducted by Russian forces in the city of Idlib. Some sources claimed the Syrian regime was also involved in the attack. The victims killed in the raids were displaced from the village of Ghantu in northern Homs, “all of

Summary

First published
March 19, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 6
(2–3 children3 women)
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
5 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 19, 2017

Incident Code

RS1990

LOCATION

معارة الأتارب , Ma’arat al Atarib, Aleppo, Syria

One woman was killed and at least two children wounded as alleged Russian airstrikes fell near a mosque in Ma’arat Al Atarib, western Aleppo, local sources reported. The Syrian Network for Human Rights was among sources blaming Russia. However, NABD News attributed the airstrikes to Syrian warplanes. Three children were wounded, according to the Syrian Civil

Summary

First published
March 19, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
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, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

March 18, 2017

Incident Code

RS1983

LOCATION

تقاد , Taqad, Aleppo, Syria

The remnants of a cluster bomb that had been dropped earlier during a Russian air raid in Taqad resulted in the death of one civilian, Mohammed Al Talal, according to sources on the ground.Multiple sources said one civilian was also injured during this raid.

Summary

First published
March 18, 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
View Incident

Incident date

March 18, 2017

Incident Code

RS1982

LOCATION

القسطل القسطل , Al Qastal town, Hama, Syria

Russian warplanes allegedly conducted a raid on the outskirts of Al Qastal town in Hama Governorate, Smart News Agency reported. Civilian casualties have been reported, but their number and identities are still unclear.

Summary

First published
March 18, 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

March 17, 2017

Incident Code

RS1981

LOCATION

الطبقة مسكنة , the road between Maskanah and Tabaqa, Raqqa, Syria

Eight civilians were killed and another 17 were injured when their bus was struck during an air raid between Maskanah and Tabaqa, according to sources on the ground. Smart News Agency reported that it is ‘likely’ the warplanes that conducted the attack were Russian. The Violations Documentation Center in Syria has named Ahmad Al-Zaher as

Summary

First published
March 17, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8
(1–2 children1–2 women)
Civilians reported injured
17
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 17, 2017

Incident Code

RS1980

LOCATION

اورم الكبرى , Urma Al-Kubra, Aleppo, Syria

Between three and eight civilians were killed and a further six were wounded f as a result of alleged air raids by Russian warplanes in the town of Urma al Kubra in Aleppo Governorate on the 17th of March 2017. Sources said that four victims from the same family died in the attack. The Violations

Summary

First published
March 17, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 8
(1 woman3–6 men)
Civilians reported injured
2–6
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
8 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 17, 2017

Incident Code

RS1979

LOCATION

كفر حوت, Kafr Hout , Aleppo, Syria

Russian warplanes wounded two civilians in a raid on the village of Kafr Hout in southern Aleppo Governorate, western Syria, according to sources on the ground. Sources were unclear of the identity of those injured in this attack. Smart News Today reported that two women were wounded, while Aleppo Civil Defence said that one woman

Summary

First published
March 17, 2017
Last updated
January 31, 2023
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
Geolocation
Village
View Incident

Incident date

March 16, 2017

Incident Code

RS1975

LOCATION

كفركرمين , Kafr Karmin, Aleppo, Syria

Local media reported that three civilians including a child were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Kafr Karmin. The Smart News put the number wounded at three, adding that this total included one child. Numerous other sources reported that Russia carried out the strikes – and published video footage of the aftermath.

Summary

First published
March 16, 2017
Last updated
January 31, 2023
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
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
Geolocation
Village
View Incident

Incident date

March 16, 2017

Incident Code

RS1974

LOCATION

Idlib city, Idlib, Syria

At least one woman died – and was possibly killed, according to one report – in multiple airstrikes on different neighbourhoods in Idlib, local media said. While most reports blamed Russia, there were also allegations against the regime. Syria News Desk reported the only fatality, one woman: “A woman was killed and other civilians were

Summary

First published
March 16, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
1–5
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

March 16, 2017

Incident Code

RS1978

LOCATION

معراته, Ma’arata town, Aleppo, Syria

Local media reported that Russia carried out an airstrike on Ma’arata town, leding to an unspecified number of civilian casualties. According to the Step News Agency, “Russian warplanes launched vacuum missiles targeting Ma’arata in western Aleppo causing casualties among civilians.”

Summary

First published
March 16, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 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

March 16, 2017

Incident Code

RS1977

LOCATION

أبين سمعان , Abin Sama’an , Aleppo, Syria

One woman died and several other civilians were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Abin Sama’an town, according to sources on the ground. Omawi.news.agency reported: “Russian warplanes carried out several air strikes with rockets on the towns of Abyan Semaan and Sheikh Ali in the western countryside of Aleppo, wounding several people and causing extensive

Summary

First published
March 16, 2017
Last updated
January 31, 2023
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
Geolocation
Town
View Incident

Incident date

March 16, 2017

Incident Code

RS1976

LOCATION

الأتارب الشيخ علي , al Sheikh Ali village in Al Atarib district, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Local media reported that three civilians died and several more were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on the al Sheikh Ali village in Al Atarib district, Aleppo. On March 16th, Baladi reported: “he cities and towns of Al-Atareb, Sheikh Ali, Babis, Maarat al-Atareb, Abyan Samaan and Kfarkermin were heavily shelled by the Russian air

Summary

First published
March 16, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 men)
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 15, 2017

Incident Code

RS1970

LOCATION

السخنة المحطة الثالثة , the third station near al Sukhna, Homs, Syria

Up to five civilians died and several more were injured in an alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrike on the third station near al Sukhna, local sources reported. According to the Step News Agency, “Russian warplanes launched several air raids targeting the third station near al Sukhna in eastern Homs which led to a number of

Summary

First published
March 15, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 5
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 15, 2017

Incident Code

RS1973

LOCATION

معرة مصرين, Maarat Misrin, Idlib, Syria

A woman was killed and other civlians were wounded in an alleged Russian raid on property in Maarat Misrin, local media reported. All sources either attributed blame to Russia, or blamed unknown warplanes. According to Syrian-mirror, the wounded were taken to nearby medical points where they were treated for their injuries. Step news agency specified

Summary

First published
March 15, 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 15, 2017

Incident Code

RS1972

LOCATION

القصور, Al Qusour neighbourhood, Idlib city, Idlib, Syria

Between eight and 39 civilians were killed, and dozens more were injured, following a raid which targeted residential housing in Al Qusour neighbourhood, Idlib city, local media reported. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, with some attributing blame to Russia and others to the Syrian regime. Various sources blamed both parties for

Summary

First published
March 15, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 39
(4–16 children4–6 women2–3 men)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
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
39 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 14, 2017

Incident Code

RS1969

LOCATION

ديرحافر , Deir Hafer, Aleppo, Syria

An unspecified number of civilians died and were wounded in an alleged Russia or regime strike on Deir Hafer, according to local media. The Shaam News Network and LCCSY pointed to Russia, as did the Step News Agency who said that “several surface rockets” were used in the attack. However, Aljazeera reported that “Syrian regime planes

Summary

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

Incident Code

RS1968

LOCATION

صيدا, Saida town, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Multiple local sources reported that one woman died and several other civilians were wounded in an alleged Russia airstrike on Saida town. All sources that named a culprit identified Russia as the responsible party.

Summary

First published
March 14, 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 13, 2017

Incident Code

RS1967

LOCATION

الهبا, Al-Hiba, Homs, Syria

A single source reported that an elderly man and his grandson were killed, and one other civilian was injured, in an alleged Russian airstrike on Al-Hiba. A local source told Smart that the village was under the control of ISIS. The child was aged six. The injured civilian only suffered from mild wounds. There are no

Summary

First published
March 13, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 man)
Civilians reported injured
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident