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

January 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS437

LOCATION

منطقة الأماسي, Al Amassi (Ar Raqqah), Raqqa, Syria

Sixteen civilians including six to nine children and four women died in airstrikes on Al Amassi in Raqqa, according to local sources – though most reports blamed Russia, others did not identify who was responsible. RBSS initially referred only to “warplanes“, but in a later post alleged that Russia was responsible. According to the Syrian

Summary

First published
January 21, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
16
(6–9 children5 women2 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
Named victims
14 named, 3 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

April 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS757

LOCATION

الفردوس, Al Fardous (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Multiple sources reported that up to 16 people died in airstrikes in Aleppo city. While some blamed Russia, others said the regime or armed rebel groups were responsible. LCCSY said one man was killed and five injured after Russian planes targeted the neighborhood with two dawn raids. Q0wyy also blamed Russia and reported that “Russian

Summary

First published
April 16, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 16
(7 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
5–12
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
8 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS833

LOCATION

البوليل, Al Buliyal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Sixteen civilians including several children and four women died in airstrikes on Al Buliyal, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the regime, with a number of sources not naming a culprit. LCCSY said that 15 civilians including four women and a child

Summary

First published
June 3, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
15 – 16
(1–2 children3–4 women5 men)
Civilians reported injured
10–25
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
17 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 16, 2019

Incident Code

RS4034

LOCATION

حاس, Qaryal al Rahma near Hass, Idlib, Syria

Up to 20 civilians, including children and a pregnant woman, were reported killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Qaryat al Rahma which contains an IDPs residence near Hass, Idlib, on August 16th. Local sources named 19 of those killed in the incident including at least three children. The New York Times later published transcripts of

Summary

First published
August 16, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
19 – 20
(3–6 children1–8 women)
Civilians reported injured
13–52
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
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
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
19 named, 4 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS1257

LOCATION

Kafr Zita or Latamenah (Hama) or Idlib, Hama, Syria

Up to 16 civilians – with four or five from one family – died in shelling on Latamenah, according to local media. However, there were allegations against both Russia and the Syrian regime. It was reported that Kafr Zita was under regime artillery shelling – with possible regime strikes also reported in Latamnah. According to

Summary

First published
September 10, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 16
(2 children1 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
View Incident

Incident date

December 4, 2015

Incident Code

RS225

LOCATION

كقر بطنا, Kafr Batnah, Damascus, Syria

Up to 16 non-combatants including 3 to 6 children were reported killed, and dozens injured, in an alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrike on Kafr Batnah according to reports by the Shaam News Network and others. SNN said Russian warplanes launched rockets on the main square in the town. It added that the planes returned

Summary

First published
December 4, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
14 – 16
(3–6 children2 women9 men)
Civilians reported injured
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
14 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 20, 2016

Incident Code

RS1172

LOCATION

أورم الكبرى, Urma al Kubra, Aleppo, Syria

Between 10 and 16 civilians including women and children died and dozens more were wounded in airstrikes on Orme Al-Kubra, local media reported – though sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the regime. The majority of reports, however, pointed to Russia. The lowest death count was given as

Summary

First published
August 20, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 16
(2–3 children1–4 women)
Civilians reported injured
12–36
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

October 22, 2016

Incident Code

RS1496

LOCATION

عندان, Anadan, Aleppo, Syria

At least one member of the civil defence died and up to five more were wounded in an airstrike on Anadan, according to local media. One source – LCCSY – reported that there had been “16 martyrs in Aleppo following Russian raids on the town of Anadan and in clashes with what is referred to

Summary

First published
October 22, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 16
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2–5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 20, 2017

Incident Code

CS1046 RS2295

LOCATION

خشام, Khasham, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Up to 16 civilians, including several women and children, were killed and dozens more injured in airstrikes on Khasham village in Deir Ezzor governorate. However, it was not clear who was responsible with allegations lodged against the Coalition, the Russian air force and the Syrian government. In total, five sources alleged that the Coalition was

Summary

First published
June 20, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
13 – 16
(4 children2 women1 man)
Civilians reported injured
12–50
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, Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Named victims
10 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 16, 2019

Incident Code

RS3588

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

A continuation of artillery shelling on the residential neighbourhood of Khan Sheikhoun meant that between two and 16 civilians were killed, and six or more were wounded, following another “massacre” on the 15th of February. Sources were conflicted as too who was to blame. Most attributed blame the Syrian regime, however, some also blamed Russia.

Summary

First published
February 16, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 16
(3–8 children4–7 women2–3 men)
Civilians reported injured
6–17
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
8 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 7, 2017

Incident Code

RS2087

LOCATION

حيش, Heesh, Idlib, Syria

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

Summary

First published
April 7, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9 – 16
(2 children5 women2 men)
Civilians reported injured
6–7
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
9 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 12, 2017

Incident Code

R2475

LOCATION

صبيخان, Sabikhan, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between nine and 16 civilians, possibly including a child and women, were killed and as many as “dozens” more were left wounded following alleged Russian airstrikes striking in Sabikhan, Deir Ezzor, local media reported. @olay6663 reported that the village had been subject to “intensive raids since early morning,” and most sources reported that the raids

Summary

First published
October 12, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9 – 16
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
View Incident

Incident date

July 5, 2019

Incident Code

RS3872

LOCATION

محمبل, Mhambel, Idlib, Syria

14 to 17 civilians were reported killed, and 20 to 24 injured, in airstrikes on Mhambel, Idlib, on July 5th. Syrian Network for Human Rights alleged that “at least 16 civilians, including ten children and four women, were killed in an intensive aerial attack by Syrian regime forces using missiles and barrel bombs on several

Summary

First published
July 5, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
16 – 17
(9–10 children4 women3 men)
Civilians reported injured
20–24
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
14 named, 4 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 1, 2016

Incident Code

RS1080

LOCATION

أبو الظهور, Abu al Duhur, Idlib, Syria

More than 10 civilians were killed in alleged airstrikes in Abu al Duhur, close to the location of a downed Russian warplane, according to multiple sources. Reports are conflicted as to whether Russian or Assad regime forces were responsible for the deaths. Syria Newsdesk reported that “Russian warplanes targeted with more than 30 raids the

Summary

First published
August 1, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
14 – 16
(4 children2 women3 men)
Civilians reported injured
2–30
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
13 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 30, 2017

Incident Code

CS759 RS2209

LOCATION

عويجل, Oweijal, Aleppo, Syria

Between 13 and 16 civilians died and four were injured in an “unexplained” explosion in the village of Oweijal, local media said – though it was unclear whether the Coalition, the Syrian regime or Russia were to blame. Most sources blamed the Syrian regime for the strikes. An unspecific numbers of civilians were wounded, however

Summary

First published
April 30, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
13 – 16
(4–9 children4–5 women)
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
US-led Coalition, Syrian Regime, Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

September 11, 2017

Incident Code

RS2427

LOCATION

مخيم الحوادي, al-Hawadi Camp, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Russian warplanes allegedly bombed the al-Hawadi camp for displaced persons in the town of Zaghir Shamiya in Deir Ezzor, killing between eight and 16 civilians on September 11th 2017. Women and children were among the slain. The initial bombs struck the tent of the Jassem al-Ahdi family, killing all members of the family, including four

Summary

First published
September 11, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 16
(4–5 children1–2 women)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
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
10 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 1, 2017

Incident Code

CS1557 RS2579

LOCATION

Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between nine and 15 civilians died, including an entire family, following alleged airstrikes in a second reported ‘massacre’ at Abu Kamal in 24 hours. Reports were contested: some sources blamed the Coalition, while others believed Russia were the likely culprit. Many of the known sources did not apportion blame. The strikes were conducted after midnight,

Summary

First published
October 1, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9 – 15
(2 children4 women7 men)
Civilians reported injured
15–24
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
15 named, 3 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS1254

LOCATION

حي ‏المرجة‬, Marjah (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Between two and fifteen civilians including one woman died and 43 more were reportedly wounded in an alleged Russia airstrike on Marja, according to local media. Alamawi, Jisrtv, LCCSY all blamed Russia. In a video published by Piepers Umran (see below), a man says that Russian planes “targeted civilians as there are no militants in

Summary

First published
September 10, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 15
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
43
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

December 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS1755

LOCATION

حي الجلوم , Al Jalloum neighbourhood, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Up to 15 civilians, including six children and two women, were killed in an airstrike on Al Jalloum, Aleppo – whilst a “number” were wounded, according to local media. All of the known sources attributed responsibility for the event to Russian jets. Syrian Press Center reported that “the warplanes launched intensive airstrikes on Monday [6th]

Summary

First published
December 6, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 15
(0–6 children0–2 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

December 6, 2015

Incident Code

RS232

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

15 civilians including eight children and five women were reportedly killed and 25 injured when Russian warplanes allegedly bombed the city of Raqqa, according to multiple sources. Raqqa is Being Silently Slaughtered said non-combatants were killed in the agricultural fields west of the city in Al Kahtaniya farm and at the crossroads of Hitteen farm.

Summary

First published
December 6, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
15
(8 children5 women)
Civilians reported injured
25
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

January 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS489

LOCATION

كفر تخاريم, Kafr Takharim, Idlib, Syria

15 civilians including two to three women and one to three children were killed and 20 others injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on Kafr Takharim, according to two local sources. Activists told the Shaam News Network that more than 15 were killed and 20 wounded when Russian warplanes targeted a nearby mosque. They added that residential neighbourhoods were targeted

Summary

First published
January 28, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
15
(1–3 children2–3 women)
Civilians reported injured
20
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 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

January 22, 2016

Incident Code

RS447

LOCATION

البوليل, Al Buliyal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between 10 and 15 non-combatants died and dozens more were injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on the Al Dallou neighbourhood of Al Buliyal, according to multiple sources. The Shaam News Network reported on a “new massacre in addition to the daily massacres committed by Russian aircraft against civilians in the countryside of Deir al-Zour and areas under

Summary

First published
January 22, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 15
(1 child2 women8 men)
Civilians reported injured
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
9 named, 3 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 28, 2017

Incident Code

RS2768

LOCATION

البقعان, Baq'an, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between 10 and 15 civilians were killed, and dozens more were wounded in airstrikes on Baq’an, local media reported. Sources attributed the blamed to both Russian and Syrian regime raids. The raids struck the Al-Baka`an river crossing, according to sources. A source reported that “the aircraft bombed a passageway on the West Bank of the

Summary

First published
November 28, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 15
(5 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
5 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS650

LOCATION

النعمان, Al Nu'man, Aleppo, Syria

Up to 15 civilians were killed in an airstrike on Al Nu’man, which all local sources attributed to Russia. Shaam News Network reported that “Russian warplanes carried out raids on the village of Al Nu’man leading to the fall of several martyrs and wounded.” And at 0’13” in a video by Halab Today, the channel

Summary

First published
February 21, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
12 – 15
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

December 24, 2015

Incident Code

RS309

LOCATION

احرص, Ahras, Aleppo, Syria

Seven or more civilians including two children were reported killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Ihress. Al Safira News reported “the death of two children and the injuring of more than 15 others, after more than 15 cars and trucks were bombed with cluster bombs which targeted a convoy of vehicles at a checkpoint

Summary

First published
December 24, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 15
(2 children5 men)
Civilians reported injured
15
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
Named victims
6 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS501

LOCATION

الباب, Al-Bab, Aleppo, Syria

Ten civilians including seven young brothers and sisters died in an alleged Russian strike on al-Bab. In a news roundup, the Shaam News Network reported that Russian warplanes allegedly carried out dozens of strikes on the towns on Al Bab, Manbij, Jarablus and Qabasein, leading to “dozens of dead and wounded in Al Bab and Qabaseen.“ The

Summary

First published
January 29, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 15
(7 children3–4 women)
Civilians reported injured
12
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
10 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 24, 2016

Incident Code

RS661

LOCATION

أريحا, Ariha, Idlib, Syria

Between 8 and 15 civilians including one woman and one to two children died – and dozens more were injured – in airstrikes on a market in Ariha, according to multiple local sources. Reports are conflicted as to whether the attacks were carried out by Russia or the Assad regime, with one source saying that

Summary

First published
February 24, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 15
(1–2 children1 woman0–7 men)
Civilians reported injured
12–50
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

March 3, 2018

Incident Code

RS3153

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

As many as 15 civilians were killed and others were wounded in air and artillery strikes on Douma, according to local media. Sources blamed both the Syrian regime helicopters and Russian warplanes for the strikes. As well as the seven named victims below, the Violations Documentation Centre listed four unidentified adult males. It must however

Summary

First published
March 3, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 15
(4 children1 woman11 men)
Civilians reported injured
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
Named victims
7 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 3, 2018

Incident Code

RS3148

LOCATION

حمورية, Hamouriya, Damascus, Syria

Between two and 15 civilians were killed, and several others were wounded, in airstrikes on Hamouriya, according to local media. Sources blamed both the Syrian regime and Russia for the raids. As many as “30 Syrian shells” were fired on the vicinity, according to Sky News. Rockets and barrel bombs coming from helicopters targeted the

Summary

First published
March 3, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 15
(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
Named victims
2 named
View Incident