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

April 29, 2018

Incident Code

RS3418

LOCATION

قرية دير فول, Deir Fool village, Homs, Syria

A civilian was killed and three others injured in an attack on the village of Deir Fool, local sources reported. Smart News reported the involvement of both Syrian and Russian forces in the strike. The news agency said the attack broke a truce negotiated for the northern Homs countryside. Eight planes conducted at least 60

Summary

First published
April 29, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
3
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

February 21, 2018

Incident Code

RS3057

LOCATION

معراتة, Ma'rata, Idlib, Syria

One male child was killed and a number of others were wounded as an alleged Russian warplane struck the town of Ma’rata in the outskirts of Idlib, local media reported. The child was identified by name by several sources, including the Syrian Network for Human Rights. Among others, the Civil Defense reported that the child was

Summary

First published
February 21, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 25, 2018

Incident Code

RS3110

LOCATION

بيت سوى, Beat Sawa, Damascus, Syria

One civilian was killed and others were wounded in airstrikes on the residential neighbourhood of Beat Sawa, local media reported. Only one source blamed Russian warplanes targeting the vicinity. The others blamed military warplanes. There are no other details at this time.  

Summary

First published
February 25, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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

July 22, 2019

Incident Code

RS3936

LOCATION

كفرنبل, Kafar Nabil, Idlib, Syria

A civilian was killed and an unknown number of others were injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the city of Kafar Nabil, Idlib governorate, on July 22nd, 2019, according to local sources. @ShahbaPress reported “one martyr and wounded civilians as a result of air raids on the city of Kafar Nabil.” Shaam News

Summary

First published
July 22, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 12, 2019

Incident Code

RS4009

LOCATION

معرة حرمة, Ma’aret Harma, Idlib, Syria

One civilian was reported killed and an unknown number of others were injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Ma’arat Harma, Idlib governorate, on August 12th, 2019, according to local sources. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights documented “the death of a citizen and the injury of several others in a bombing by

Summary

First published
August 12, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 18, 2019

Incident Code

R3825

LOCATION

الحامدية, Al Hamediya, Idlib, Syria

One named civilian was reported killed and two White Helmet rescuers injured in a reported Russian strike on Al Hamediya in Idlib. According to the Syrian Network, “Russian forces killed a civilian in al Hamediya area in Idlib: Abdul Qader Mahmoud al Asfar was killed as fixed- wing warplanes we believe were Russian fired missiles on

Summary

First published
August 18, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS1256

LOCATION

عين دارة, Ainjara, Aleppo, Syria

One woman died and several more civilians were injured in alleged Russia airstrikes on Anjara town in western Aleppo, sources on the ground reported. According to Ahmadhamaher, “Russian warplanes targeted Anjara in the western countryside of Aleppo with two raids and missiles. LCCSY added that a woman died and other civilians were wounded in Russian

Summary

First published
September 10, 2016
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
View Incident

Incident date

October 13, 2016

Incident Code

RS1451

LOCATION

القاطرجي, Al Qaterji (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

One civilian died and several others – reportedly children – were wounded in an alleged Russia or Syrian regime airstrike on Aleppo’s Al Qaterji neighbourhood, according to local media. Sources reported the use of phosphorous missiles and cluster bomb in the attack. Harhoor991 said that “at 4am there was extensive warplane shelling in Aleppo and

Summary

First published
October 13, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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

November 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS1563

LOCATION

افتريس, Iftrees, Damascus, Syria

A child was killed and several other civilians wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes on Iftrees, sources on the ground reported. According to @Doumarevolutio1, there was an aerial bombardment which consisted of two raids on the town. All sources point to Russian warplanes. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
November 11, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS1750

LOCATION

السحارة, Al Sahara, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian was killed and others were wounded in four alleged raids on Al Sahara, Aleppo. Sources are conflicted as to who was to blame, with some blaming Russian warplanes and others blaming the Syrian regime.  Most sources reported that phosphorous bombs and cluster bombs were used in the attack. Additionally, one source claimed that the

Summary

First published
December 6, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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 5, 2017

Incident Code

RS1880

LOCATION

تادف, Tadef, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian, Hasan al-Allawi al-Hamed, was reportedly killed in a Russian airstrike on Tadef, Aleppo – though there was only one known source on this event. The Violations Documentation Center in Syria listed the death as “warplane shelling” from “Russian troops”.

Summary

First published
February 5, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 13, 2017

Incident Code

RS1889

LOCATION

صيدا, Saida, Daraa, Syria

At least one woman was killed in airstrikes against the town of Saida in the countryside of Dara’a. Local sources gave conflicting reports as to who was responsible for the airstrikes. Orient News reported that both the regime and Russia carried out airstrikes but did not determine which struck Saida. Other sources did give specific

Summary

First published
February 13, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
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 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

May 3, 2017

Incident Code

RS2211

LOCATION

سوحا, Doha, Hama, Syria

In this single-source event, an alleged Russian air raid killed one woman and wounded another three civilians as it struck the village of Soha, eastern Hama, the Smart News Agency reported. A local source told Smart News that “the warplanes launched missile attacks on the outskirts of the village of Suha in the peaceful area

Summary

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

Incident date

June 17, 2017

Incident Code

RS2287

LOCATION

عين قريع, Ain Qurei, Idlib, Syria

A man was killed, and two other civilians were wounded, when remnants of a cluster bomb exploded in Ain Qurei left by a previous raid, sources on the ground reported. Sources all blamed a previous Russian raid for the remnants left in the vicinity. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
June 17, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 24, 2017

Incident Code

RS2510

LOCATION

سراقب, Saraqeb, Idlib, Syria

At least one civilian was killed in alleged Russian airstrikes against the town of Saraqeb, according to local sources. A member of the Civil Defence in the city, Laith al-Abdullah, reported the incident and the casualty estimate to Smart News Agency, which was the only source to report on the incident. Smart News Agency also

Summary

First published
September 24, 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

October 7, 2017

Incident Code

R2459a

LOCATION

خشام, Khasham, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One civilian, identified by name, was killed by airstrikes striking in Khasham, Deir Ezzor, local media reported – though it was unclear who carried out the strike. Violations Documentation Center attributed blame to “Russian warplanes” while the two remaining sources referred to “warplanes”. There are currently no further details.

Summary

First published
October 7, 2017
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

November 9, 2017

Incident Code

RS2708

LOCATION

الرهجان, Al-Rahjan, Hama, Syria

Twelve members of the militant group “Hayat Tahrir Al Sham” – also known as al-Qaeda – were reportedly killed in airstrikes on Al-Rahjan. A woman was also reportedly killed. Smart News Agency said that “warplanes are likely to be Russian bombed a vehicle belonging to the organisation  during the transfer of members to change shifts

Summary

First published
November 9, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
0–2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

May 7, 2019

Incident Code

RS3677

LOCATION

معرة حرمة, Ma’aret Harma, Idlib, Syria

Alleged Russian “airliners and helicopters” carried out missile strikes, also described as rocket attacks, on the outskirts of the village Ma’ra Haramah. Local sources reported that the strikes struck residential areas in the village, killing a civilian and causing extensive damage to civilian homes. Several other civilians were reported wounded. No other details are known

Summary

First published
May 7, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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

November 17, 2015

Incident Code

RS158

LOCATION

قبر الأنكليزي, Kabr al Inglizi, Aleppo, Syria

The Violations Documentation Center reports that one adult male non-combatant was killed in alleged Russian warplane strikes on Qabr al Inglisi. The Free Syrian Army, which also named the victim, said he originally came from Anadan.  

Summary

First published
November 17, 2015
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 6, 2018

Incident Code

RS2981

LOCATION

الغدفة, Ghadafa, Idlib, Syria

A volunteer of the Syrian Civil Defense was killed as he was on duty in Ghadafa, Idlib, local media and family members reported. The victim, Ahmed Ali Al-Mustafa, and his Civil Defense team were reportedly inspecting a bombing site when the strike took place. The victim’s brother wrote on his Twitter account, Apdlrahmah, about the death of

Summary

First published
February 6, 2018
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
Unknown, Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 11, 2015

Incident Code

RS256

LOCATION

كفر زيتة, Kafr Zita, Hama, Syria

One male child, Khaled Nihad al-Nuna , was reported killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Kafr Zita, according to the Union of Hama Rebels and the Violations Documentation Centre. Reporting remains confused, with multiple alleged Russian airstrikes on Kafr Zita between December 9th and 12th which resulted in a likely total of six civilian deaths.

Summary

First published
December 11, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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

January 31, 2016

Incident Code

RS512

LOCATION

حيان, Hayyan, Aleppo, Syria

One 17-year-old male was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Hayyan using cluster munitions, according to local sources. Both the Syrian Network for Human Rights and the Violations Documentation Center blamed Russian warplanes. The White Helmets also named the victim, but did not say whether the Assad regime or Russia were responsible for the

Summary

First published
January 31, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 14, 2016

Incident Code

RS608

LOCATION

كفر حمرة, Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, Syria

One child was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Kafr Hamra, according to the Violations Documentation Centre. No additional details are presently known.  

Summary

First published
February 14, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS704

LOCATION

نبهان, Nabhan, Idlib, Syria

One 35-year old man, Mostafa Abdo Nabhan, was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Nabhan Village, Jisr Al Shoughour, according to the Violations Documentation Center.  

Summary

First published
March 2, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS1058

LOCATION

عندان, Anadan, Aleppo, Syria

Local media reported that an unidentified child died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Anadan. No further details are currently available.

Summary

First published
July 27, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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 14, 2017

Incident Code

CS1494 Rs2450

LOCATION

سعلو, Deir Ez-Zor, Sa'alu, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One female civilian, died in an alleged airstrike on the village of Sa’alu, according to local media. The US-led Coalition and Russia were both cited as culprit, amongst multiple references to unidentified aircraft. According to Qasioun, the Coalition bombed Sa’alu as part of an aerial offensive that targeted multiple villages in the east of Deir

Summary

First published
September 14, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS1596

LOCATION

دارة عزة, Darat Izza, Aleppo, Syria

One young civilian male or child died in Darat Ezza, Aleppo, “as a result of the explosion of one of the remnants of cluster bombardment”, according to multiple local sources. An unknown number of civilians were also injured in the event, according to All4Syria. It was unclear who was responsible for his death – as

Summary

First published
November 15, 2016
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
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 26, 2017

Incident Code

RS2033a

LOCATION

حرستا, Harasta, Damascus, Syria

One baby girl was killed and up to nine were wounded as alleged Russian warplanes struck Harasta, Damascus, with airstrikes and artillery, local media reported. SOHR reported that “warplanes carried out in the evening of today four raids on places in Harasta city in the Eastern Ghouta, which killed a child and injured 9 other

Summary

First published
March 26, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
2–9
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

May 23, 2017

Incident Code

RS2252

LOCATION

حمادة عمر, Hamada Omar, Hama, Syria

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

Summary

First published
March 23, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident