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 3, 2017

Incident Code

RS1937

LOCATION

تدمر, Palmyra, Homs, Syria

In this single-source incident, the Smart News Agency “that five dead and 14 wounded, including women and children, arrived at the al Tabaqa hospital”. It said they had died in a bombing by “military aircraft” on Palmyra’s eastern desert – and went on to say that the culprit was likely to be Russia. It is

Summary

First published
March 3, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(1–2 children1–2 women)
Civilians reported injured
14
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

March 2, 2017

Incident Code

RS1936

LOCATION

السخنة, Sokhna, Homs, Syria

One source, the Smart News Agency, reported that an unspecified number of civilians were killed and wounded in an airstrike on Sokhna. Smart said that a convoy was struck. @youthvoiceSSS reported that “a convoy belonging to Daesh” was struck by the regime – but made no mention of civilian harm.  

Summary

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

Incident date

February 28, 2017

Incident Code

RS1935

LOCATION

حطلة, Hatla, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between 11 and 13 civilians were killed at a river crossing point in Hatla by alleged Russian aircraft, local sources reported. Other civilians were wounded but no specific numbers were reported. All sources blamed Russia for the raid. Sources reported that women and children were included in the death toll. There was not only destruction

Summary

First published
February 28, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
11 – 13
(0–1 children0–1 women)
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

February 28, 2017

Incident Code

RS1934

LOCATION

تدمر‎, Palmyra , Homs, Syria

A child was killed, and others were wounded, in alleged Russian raids and/or Syrian regime artillery strikes on Palmyra. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame with some attributing blame to the Regime and others to Russia. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
February 28, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(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

February 28, 2017

Incident Code

RS1933

LOCATION

ترملا, Tramla, Idlib, Syria

Three members of one family were killed – including a father, daughter and granddaughter – and others were wounded, following an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Tramla, local media reported. All sources except Idlib Media Centre – who said the regime was responsible – attributed blame to Russia.  According to sources, a vacuum

Summary

First published
February 28, 2017
Last updated
January 10, 2023
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child1 woman1 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
Geolocation
Village
View Incident

Incident date

February 27, 2017

Incident Code

RS1929

LOCATION

اريحا, Ariha, Idlib, Syria

As many as 20 civilians were killed, and dozens more were wounded, in an airstrike on Ariha. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. Around half the sources blamed Russian warplanes, while the rest pointed to the Syrian regime. Some sources such as Idlib Media Centre blamed both parties for the raids. SMO

Summary

First published
February 27, 2017
Last updated
January 10, 2023
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 20
(2–8 children2–4 women1–3 men)
Civilians reported injured
12–30
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
Geolocation
Town
View Incident

Incident date

February 27, 2017

Incident Code

RS1932

LOCATION

ابو الهناية/خفسة, Abu Hanaya/Khafsa, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Between eight and ten civilians were reported killed – and others were reported wounded – following alleged Russian shelling on Abu Hanaya/Khafsa, Aleppo. All sources attributed blame to Russian warplanes. Aranews claimed that a large number of civilians was wounded, no other sources gave specific details on the wounded.  There are no other details at this

Summary

First published
February 27, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 10
(2 children2 women)
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

February 27, 2017

Incident Code

RS1931

LOCATION

الهزاني, Al-Hazani, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Three civilians were killed, and others were wounded, in an alleged air and artillery strike on Al-Hazani, Aleppo. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. Two sources reported that Russia was responsible for the raid, whilst others attributed blame to the Syrian regime. SyriaMubasher reported that military aircraft were to blame – therefore not attributing

Summary

First published
February 27, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 3
(0–2 children0–1 women0–1 men)
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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 27, 2017

Incident Code

RS1930

LOCATION

ربيعة, Rabi'a, Homs, Syria

According to Smart, an unspecified number of civilians were wounded and killed following a “likely Russian” airstrike on Rabi’a. It was reported that “the aircraft fired missiles on the outskirts of the village which was under the control of ‘Islamic State’, killing three civilians, including a child, and injuring five others, including a woman, some of

Summary

First published
February 27, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 3
(0–1 children)
Civilians reported injured
0–5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

February 26, 2017

Incident Code

RS1928

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

Between one and nine civilians were killed – including four children – and others were wounded, in an airstrike on Douma, local media reported. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, with some blaming Russia and others the Syrian regime. Two sources put the death toll as high as nine, while two reported

Summary

First published
February 26, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 9
(4 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

February 26, 2017

Incident Code

RS1927

LOCATION

الحور, Al Hour, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Three medical staff were wounded in an airstrike which struck Al-Huda Surgical Hospital in Al Hour, Aleppo, local media report. According to sources, the hospital has been since rendered out of service. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. Some blamed Russia, while others blamed the Syrian regime. The Syrian Network for Human Rights

Summary

First published
February 26, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
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

February 26, 2017

Incident Code

RS1926

LOCATION

مسكنة, Maskanah, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

An unspecific number of civilians was wounded following an alleged airstrike on Maskanah, Aleppo. Only one sources blamed Russian warplanes; the others attributed blame to the Syrian regime. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the strikes occurred near the sugar planting town of Maskanah.  There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
February 26, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
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

February 26, 2017

Incident Code

RS1925

LOCATION

حي الوعر, Al Waer, Homs, Syria

Four civilians were killed, including a child, and as many as 24 others were wounded in an alleged parachute missile attack on the residential neighbourhood of Al Waer, local media reported. All sources but one blamed the Syrian regime for the raid. The Shaam News Network was alone in reporting “violent raids by Assad and

Summary

First published
February 26, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 4
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
6–24
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

February 25, 2017

Incident Code

RS1924

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

Eleven named civilians were killed – including five children, a woman and two men – and dozens more were wounded in an alleged air and artillery strike on a market in Douma, according to reports from the ground. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. Many attributed the strikes to Russian missiles, while

Summary

First published
February 25, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
11 – 13
(5 children1 woman2 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
11 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 25, 2017

Incident Code

RS1923

LOCATION

بنش, Binish, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians died and up to 10 more were wounded (including four members of the civil defense), following a raid on the Red Crescent Medical Store in Binish. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. Some sources blamed a Russian airliner, whilst others blamed Syrian regime vacuum missiles. The Shaam News Network reported that

Summary

First published
February 25, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
9–10
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

February 24, 2017

Incident Code

RS1922

LOCATION

الحميرات, Al-Hmeirat, Hama, Syria

Sources reported that eight people from one family were killed and dozens more were wounded when an alleged Russian and/or Syrian regime raid struck their home in Al-Hmeirat. Most sources blamed Russia, though some also pointed to the Syrian regime. Members of the Civil Defence spent time pulling bodies and injured civilians out of the rubble.

Summary

First published
February 24, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 9
(6 children1 woman)
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
6 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 23, 2017

Incident Code

RS1921

LOCATION

الناجية, Al-Najia, Idlib, Syria

Up to four civilians were killed – and as many as five were injured – in alleged airstrikes which struck residential homes in Al-Najia. All sources blamed Russia, apart from one source which blamed the Syrian regime. One source reported that there were three Russian raids which caused huge material damage to residential homes and roads.

Summary

First published
February 23, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 4
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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

February 23, 2017

Incident Code

RS1920

LOCATION

جسر الشغور, Jisir Al-Shoghour, Idlib, Syria

As many as four civilians were killed – and seven others were wounded – in an airstrike which struck residential homes and Walid Shaaban School in Jisir Al-Shoghour, according to local media. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame with some blaming Russia and the others pointing to the Syrian regime. According to multiple

Summary

First published
February 23, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 4
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
View Incident

Incident date

February 23, 2017

Incident Code

RS1919

LOCATION

جبل البلعاس, Al-Bila'as mountain, Hama, Syria

A single source reported the death of one civilian and the injury of others as a result of alleged Russian airstrike on Al-Bila’as mountain. It was reported that the aerial bombardment was concentrated on the area around al Bila’as Mountains near Akeirbat in Hama, central Syria. Allegedly Russian warplanes struck a camp for displaced people

Summary

First published
February 23, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2–4
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

February 22, 2017

Incident Code

RS1918

LOCATION

الجابرية, Al-Jabriya, Hama, Syria

Four or five civilians died and four or five more were wounded in an alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrike on the village of Al-Jabriya in Hama, according to sources on the ground. Fourteen militants from the Islamic Movement of Ahrar al-Sham were also claimed killed. AMC reported that “four paramedics were killed and another

Summary

First published
February 22, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
(4–5 men)
Civilians reported injured
4–5
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
7 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 21, 2017

Incident Code

RS1917

LOCATION

المشتل, Al-Mashtal, Homs, Syria

Two civilians were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Al-Mashtal, according to a single source. The Smart News Agency reported “… raids struck al-Mashtal neighborhood in the city of Palmyra, wounding two civilians and destroying houses in the area.” 2baddi reported that the planes struck the mountain range adjacent to the archaeological fortress of Palmyra.

Summary

First published
February 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

February 21, 2017

Incident Code

RS1916

LOCATION

حقل شاعر, Shaer oil field, Homs, Syria

A single source reported that Russian warplanes “launched missile strikes on Al Sha’er oil field, which resulted in the burning of three oil tankers, killing the driver and wounding two other riders”. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

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

February 21, 2017

Incident Code

RS1915

LOCATION

معرة مصرين, Maarat Misrin, Idlib, Syria

As many as six civilians were killed – and dozens more were wounded – in an alleged Russian airstrike on Maarat Misrin, local media reported. Most sources blamed Russia for the raids, however some others did not attribute blame while others pointed to the Syrian regime. According to reports, three rockets – allegedly vacuum missiles –

Summary

First published
February 21, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 6
(2 women)
Civilians reported injured
4–24
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
9 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 21, 2017

Incident Code

RS1914

LOCATION

الصور, As Suwar, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between five and 46 civilians were killed, and up to 50 were wounded, in an airstrike on As Suwar which struck a market and coach station. Sources either blamed Russian warplanes for the raid, or did not attribute any blame at all, reporting that the planes were unidentifiable. Sources reported that not only was a

Summary

First published
February 21, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 46
(1 child1 man)
Civilians reported injured
30–50
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
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 20, 2017

Incident Code

RS1913

LOCATION

تدمر , Palmyra, Homs, Syria

A single source, the Smart News Agency, said: “Our reporter, quoting a local source, said that the warplanes likely belonging to Russia  struck the western district of the eastern city of Palmyra with a rocket killing of a civilian and wounding two members of IS”. No further details are currently available.

Summary

First published
February 20, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

February 20, 2017

Incident Code

RS1912

LOCATION

حي تشرينشارع الحافظ , al Hafez street, Tishreen neighbourhood, eastern Damascus, Damascus, Syria

In what was largely reported as a regime attack, seven civilians including up to two children and two women died in an airstrike on al Hafez street, in Damascus’ Tishreen neighbourhood. On February 20th, the Step News Agency reported: “Assad’s regime continued its military campaign on the eastern neighborhoods in the capital Damascus for the

Summary

First published
February 20, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
(1–2 children1–2 women)
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
View Incident

Incident date

February 19, 2017

Incident Code

RS1911

LOCATION

ام تينة , Umm Tine village, Maskana, Aleppo, Syria

Four victims (one adult male, one adult female and two children) were named by the VDC as killed by Russia in Umm Tine village, Maskana. But the Syrian Network for Human Rights blamed the regime, reporting: “three civilians, including a girl and her mother, died when Syrian regime artillery shells fired on Om Tena village

Summary

First published
February 19, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(2 children1 woman1 man)
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, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 19, 2017

Incident Code

RS1910

LOCATION

تل ماعز , Tal Maez, Aleppo, Syria

Between three and 13 civilians died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Tal Maez, according to sources on the ground. According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, “four civilians, including two children and a woman, died when suspected Russian warplanes missiles fired on Tal al Mo’ez village in Aleppo governorate eastern suburbs, February 19,

Summary

First published
February 19, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 13
(2 children1 woman3 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

February 19, 2017

Incident Code

RS1909

LOCATION

نصيب , Nasib, Daraa, Syria

Up to seven civilians – of whom four were named – died and as many as eight others were wounded in an air or artillery strike on Nasib, according to local media. While most sources blamed Russia, there were also several allegations against the Assad regime. According to Ara, “Russian warplanes targeted the vicinity of

Summary

First published
February 19, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 7
(2 children1–3 women1 man)
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
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 18, 2017

Incident Code

RS1907

LOCATION

رسم حميدة, Rasim Hamida, Homs, Syria

Two civilians were reportedly killed and three wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on the ISIS controlled village of Rasim Hamida, in the eastern Homs countryside – though only one source has reported on the incident. Smart News, who attributed likely responsibility to Russia, cited a civilian source, who stated: “the warplanes targeted civilian houses with

Summary

First published
February 18, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident