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

May 31, 2016

Incident Code

CS220 RS824

LOCATION

منبج, Manbij, Aleppo, Syria

As many as 15 civilians including at least three children reportedly died in Coalition airstrikes in support of a major Kurdish ground offensive against Daesh near Manbij. Citing the Syrian Observatory, Reuters noted that “U.S.-led air strikes in support of the ground operation [reportedly] killed 15 civilians including three children near Manbij in the past

Summary

First published
May 31, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 15
(1–3 children)
Civilians reported injured
3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 2, 2017

Incident Code

CS1663

LOCATION

باغوز, Al Baghouz, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Four or more civilians died in an airstrike on al Baghouz, according to local media. While most sources pointed towards the Coalition, one said that it was unclear whether Russia had been responsible. The US-led alliance later admitted killing five civilians in the event. According to Al Hal, “Coalition forces also raided al-Bagouz village in

Summary

First published
November 2, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 6
(1 child1 man)
Civilians reported injured
20
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 30, 2017

Incident Code

CS1687 RS2771

LOCATION

درنج, Daranj, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Up to five civilians died, and 14 were wounded in an airstrike on Daranj, local media said, though sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of the US-led Coalition or Russia. In January 2019 the Coalition accepted responsibility for the event, noting: “Coalition aircraft engaged ISIS fighters operating a mortar position firing

Summary

First published
November 30, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
(1 child1 woman2–3 men)
Civilians reported injured
14
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
5 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 20, 2015

Incident Code

CS149 RS175

LOCATION

البوكمال, Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

The Violations Documentation Center listed five non-combatants, including two women and one child, as killed in an alleged Russian or Coalition airstrike near Al Bukamal. At least two of those killed were said to work for the local electricity company, who died when an oil tank was targeted. VDC named two male victims and additionally

Summary

First published
November 20, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(1 child2 women2 men)
Civilians reported injured
3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 21, 2016

Incident Code

CS237 RS926

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

Up to 38 civilians including six children and three women were killed and up to 150 injured in airstrikes on Raqqa, according to multiple sources. While most alleged that Russia carried out the attack, the United States later admitted responsibility – though admitted only three civilians deaths: “June 21, 2016, near Ar Raqqah, Syria, during

Summary

First published
June 21, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
23 – 38
(6–7 children4 women11 men)
Civilians reported injured
150
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
38 named, 5 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 29, 2017

Incident Code

CS1296

LOCATION

البوكمال, Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Six civilians died and 10 more were wounded in airstrikes on Abu Kamal, according to local sources. While the majority of reports blamed the US-led Coalition for the airstrikes, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that it was unclear whether the Coalition or Russia were responsible. The Coalition later confirmed having unintentionally killed three

Summary

First published
July 29, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
(3 children2–3 women)
Civilians reported injured
10
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
6 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 17, 2017

Incident Code

CS1645 RS2645

LOCATION

Abu Kamal, Al Masriya roundabout, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between eight and nine civilians died in an airstrike on the al Masriya roundabout in Abu Kamal, according to local media – though sources at the time were conflicted as to whether the US-led Coalition or Russia was responsible. In September 2019 the Coalition accepted responsibility for this incident. Its monthly civilian casualty report noted:

Summary

First published
October 17, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 9
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
12–36
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Known target
ISIS
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 5, 2016

Incident Code

RS854 CS224a

LOCATION

شعيب الذكر, Shai'eeb al Zakar, Raqqa, Syria

Five civilians including three children died in an airstrike on airstrike on Shai’eeb al Zakar, according to local sources though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible, with one report saying that the warplanes were thought to have belonged to the US-led Coalition. Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently blamed a

Summary

First published
June 5, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(3 children4 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
Unknown, Syrian Regime, US-led Coalition
Named victims
5 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS886

LOCATION

‏عينجارة‬, Anjara, Aleppo, Syria

Two children were killed in airstrikes on Anjara, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted and confused as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Syrian Regime. LCCSY initially reported that the strikes were Russian, killing two children and wounding other civilians when homes were targeted with cluster bombs. However,

Summary

First published
June 11, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
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

June 19, 2016

Incident Code

RS918

LOCATION

الثورة‎, Al-Thawrah (Tabaqah), Raqqa, Syria

A major civilian casualty event took place on al Tabaqa city in the Ar Raqqah countryside, reportedly killing at least six civilians and wounding as many as 40, including women and children. Sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Assad regime were to blame. Wwalfwasel reported that “more than 40 people” were killed, however

Summary

First published
June 19, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 40
(1–2 children1–2 women)
Civilians reported injured
30–35
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

June 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS952

LOCATION

منطقة كباني "الكبينة", Al Kabina area, Latakia, Syria

Airstrikes in the al-Kabina area outside of Lattakia led to the death and injury of several civilians, local media reported. According to Syria News Network “intense airstrikes by the Russian Aviation occurred alongside clashes which targeted areas controlled by the rebel regions. A number of civilians were killed and wounded, and civilian homes were targeted

Summary

First published
June 28, 2016
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 belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

July 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS984

LOCATION

إبين, Abeen, Aleppo, Syria

In a major civilian casualty event, 20 named civilians – mostly women and children – died and up to 30 more were wounded in airstrikes on Abeen village, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime carried out the attacks. Syrian Press Centre, Al Jazeera, Smart

Summary

First published
July 10, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
20 – 24
(16–18 children1–4 women1 man)
Civilians reported injured
20–30
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Unknown, Syrian Regime
Named victims
20 named, 4 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 18, 2016

Incident Code

RS1016

LOCATION

القاطرجي, Al Qaterji (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Up to 11 civilians including three children died and 15 more were wounded in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrike which destroyed a four-story residential building in Aleppo’s Al Qaterji neighbourhood, local media reported. According to BNN, earth missiles and cluster bombs were both used in the airstrike. Smart News blamed Russian warplanes for

Summary

First published
July 18, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 11
(3 children2 men)
Civilians reported injured
15
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Unknown, Syrian Regime
Named victims
6 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 25, 2016

Incident Code

RS1048

LOCATION

السخنة, As Sukhnah, Homs, Syria

A family reportedly died in As Sukhnah, local media reported – though it was unclear whether they were killed in a Russian airstrike or an action by the Syrian regime. Syriamubashar was among a number of sources which blamed Russia, reporting that “one person was killed and others wounded due to Russian warplanes shelling in

Summary

First published
July 25, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 4
(1 child1 woman2 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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 13, 2016

Incident Code

CS190 RS734a

LOCATION

أبو قلقل, Abu Qalqal, Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians were reported killed in an airstrike on the town of Abu Kalkal. Opinion was split as to whether the attack was Russian, Coalition or Syrian regime in origin. Daesh-linked Al A’amaq Media, the Syrian Observatory, the Syrian Network, the Syrian Human Rights Committee, Shaam News and al Hall Media all said the attack

Summary

First published
March 13, 2016
Last updated
March 21, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
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
US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

July 18, 2017

Incident Code

CS1229 RS2349

LOCATION

معدان, Ma'adan, Raqqa, Syria

Three people were reportedly wounded following airstrikes in Ma’dan on the eastern border of Raqqa governorate. However it was contested as to who was responsible. One source, Shaam News Network, claimed that the airstrikes caused a “massacre” and that 12 civilians were killed. However it was at odds with nine other sources which reported the

Summary

First published
July 18, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 12
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
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

September 14, 2017

Incident Code

CS1480

LOCATION

IDP camp near Jadid Akeidat, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A major civilian casualty incident allegedly took place at an IDP camp near Jadid Akeidat, Eastern Deir Ezzor countryside. Al Yaqeen reported about 100 displaced people were killed, mostly women and children, following an alleged aerial bombardment by the US-led Coalition at the camp (pictured). However this was contested – with Euphrates Post asserting that

Summary

First published
September 14, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
100 – 120
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

November 2, 2017

Incident Code

CS1662 RS2673

LOCATION

المراشدة, Al Mrashda river crossing, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Up to five civilians died in an airstrike on the al Mrashda river crossing in Deir Ezzor, local media said – though sources were conflicted as to whether the US-led Coalition, Syrian regime or Russia were responsible. According to Al Hall, the Coalition “targeted the water crossing in the town of Al Mrashda in rural

Summary

First published
November 2, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
(1 child1 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
US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 4, 2016

Incident Code

RS1097

LOCATION

حيش, Heesh, Idlib, Syria

One adult male died in an airstrike on Heesh, Idlib, according to local media. According to Amagharib Today, he died on August 5th from injures he sustained in the attack. Only one source, the Violations Documentation Center, blamed Russia for his death. Other sources didn’t apportion blame and there are no other details present at

Summary

First published
August 4, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS1129

LOCATION

الفردوس, Al Fardous (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Between five and 20 civilians were killed and up to 30 more were wounded, including women, when warplanes launched two airstrikes against the neighbourhood of Fardous. The airstrikes reportedly struck the local market. Syrian Newsdesk and @RadioAlKul blamed Russian warplanes. However, All4Syria and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported the use of barrel bombs

Summary

First published
August 12, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 20
Civilians reported injured
17–30
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
View Incident

Incident date

August 17, 2016

Incident Code

RS1161

LOCATION

القاطرجي, Al Qaterji (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Between three and six civilians including women and children died and up to 12 more were wounded in airstrikes on al Qaterji, local media reported. The victims included the 10-year-old child  who later died from injuries sustained in the attack. His brother, Omran Daqmeesh, was also wounded when the strike hit the family home –

Summary

First published
August 17, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 6
(2 children)
Civilians reported injured
2–12
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
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS1194

LOCATION

دارة عزة, Daret Izza, Aleppo, Syria

Up to five civilians died and eight others were wounded in airstrike son Daret Izza, according to local media – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. The Smart News Agency reported that “Russian warplanes launched two air missiles on a residential area in the town of Darat Izza morning,

Summary

First published
August 27, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 5
(2–3 men)
Civilians reported injured
3–8
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
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 5, 2016

Incident Code

RS1226

LOCATION

الرستن‬, Ar-Rastan, Homs, Syria

Up to three civilians including a child and a woman died and as many as ten others were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on al Rastan, according to local media. Syria1news1 tweeted an image of a man crying over his sister’s body following a strike. Like a number of sources, the report didn’t identify

Summary

First published
September 5, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(1 child1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
3–10
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

September 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS1258

LOCATION

Umm Jeene, Aleppo, Syria

According to Qasioun, “three civilians were killed and others wounded due to Russian warplanes shelling in both Um Jeene and Al-Hootah villages in the western countryside of Aleppo.” The Step News Agency also put the death toll at three and blamed Russia.

Summary

First published
September 11, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
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

September 20, 2016

Incident Code

RS1291

LOCATION

خان طومان, Khan Touman, Aleppo, Syria

Between 14 and 18 civilians, mostly emergency doctors and nurses, were killed in an attack on a medical centre in Khan Tuman, Aleppo, local sources reported. Most reports alleged Russian warplanes were responsible for the attack, which specifically targeted the centre. However, the Syrian Network for Human Rights also pointed to the regime in some

Summary

First published
September 20, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
14 – 18
(10 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
10 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS1323

LOCATION

كفر حمرة, Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, Syria

Four or five civilians were killed in alleged Russian raids on the Kafr Hamra neighborhood of Aleppo. Four civilians were named by HNN, including two children and a woman. The first three civilians were also mentioned by name by @NewsFlashAleppo. Microsyria said that attacks by Russian planes “martyred three civilians from one family.” @HalabTodayTV, tweeting

Summary

First published
September 23, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
(2 children1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2–5
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, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS1355

LOCATION

حي بستان القصر, Bustan al Qasr (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Between three and 13 civilians were reported killed alleged Russian or Syrian regime artillery strikes on the Bustan Al Qasr neighbourhood in Aleppo. According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, “at least three civilians including a child died due to alleged Russian warplanes missiles firing on Bustan Al Qasr neighborhood in Aleppo city” AleppoAMC

Summary

First published
September 26, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 13
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
6
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS1388

LOCATION

جب القبة, Jeb al Qubba, Aleppo, Syria

SMO News reported that “Russian warplanes shelling targeted Al-Shawqi hospital in Jib Al-Quba and destroyed it. Some people were killed and others wounded.” Likewise Al-Jazeera reported how the hospital was left destroyed after the strikes. There are no other details available at this time.

Summary

First published
October 2, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
Civilians reported injured
0–2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

October 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS1421

LOCATION

حي الصالحين, Salheen (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Three men died in an airstrike on the al-Salheen neighbourhood in Aleppo, according to sources on the ground. The majority of sources attributed the event to the Assad regime, though there was one allegation against Russia. LCCSY reported that “three civilians were martyred and others were seriously injured due to Russian airstrikes with cluster bombs

Summary

First published
October 9, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(3 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
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 13, 2016

Incident Code

RS1453

LOCATION

الشيخ خضر, al Sheikh Kudar, Aleppo, Syria

In what most sources said was a regime artillery strike, one female child died in Aleppo’s Al Sheikh Khader neighbourhood. Syrian Press Center and Micro Syria, Jisrtv and Masar Press reported: “A female child was killed and others wounded due to artillery shelling in Sheikh Khader.” Syria News Desk was the only source who blamed

Summary

First published
October 13, 2016
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