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 15, 2017

Incident Code

RS1973

LOCATION

معرة مصرين, Maarat Misrin, Idlib, Syria

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

Summary

First published
March 15, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 11, 2017

Incident Code

RS2429

LOCATION

بلدة الطريف , bank of the Euphrates, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One civilian was killed and others were injured when warplanes bombed the bank of the Euphrates in al Tareef in western Deir Ezzor Governorate on 12th September 2017, local media reported. Multiple sources, including the Syrian Human Rights Committee, identified the martyr as Ahmad Al Salama Al-Hamad. It is unclear which belligerent was responsible for

Summary

First published
September 12, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(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, Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 26, 2017

Incident Code

RS2816

LOCATION

رسم العيد, Rasim Al-Abid, Idlib, Syria

An adult male was killed, and others were wounded, when alleged Russian warplanes struck Rasim Al-Abid camp for Internally Displaced Peoples. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, with many blaming Russia but some blaming the Syrian regime. One source states that the bombardments by Russia were “hysterical” with as many as 25

Summary

First published
December 26, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 14, 2015

Incident Code

RS039

LOCATION

حمورية, Hamouriya, Damascus, Syria

A woman was reported killed in Russia’s first confirmed airstrikes in the vicinity of the Syrian capital Damascus, which struck the suburb of Hamouriya.  

Summary

First published
October 14, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 14, 2019

Incident Code

RS3695

LOCATION

شهرناز, Shahrnaz, Hama, Syria

Local sources reported that an alleged Russian forces or Syrian regime airstrike killed a 75-year-old man in Shahrnaz in the countryside of Hama on May 14th, 2019. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported “Oqla Jassem Al-Hamoud, aged 75, was killed when helicopters of the Syrian regime forces, fired several barrel bombs on the village

Summary

First published
May 14, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
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, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 31, 2019

Incident Code

RS3742

LOCATION

كفرعويد, Kafar Awaid, Idlib, Syria

Local sources reported that a civilian was killed and two volunteers for the Syrian Civil Defense were injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime double airstrikes on the village of Kafar Awaid in the area of ​​Ma’arat Al Nu’man on May 31st, 2019. @HalabTodayTV reported that “a civilian was killed and others were wounded as a

Summary

First published
May 31, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
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
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 1, 2016

Incident Code

RS521

LOCATION

غرناطة, Garnata, Homs, Syria

One male child, Reda Waleed Othman, was named by the Violations Documentation Center as having been killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Garnata. The Damascus Center for Human Rights Studies also reported the death of Othman, stating that he was killed by “indiscriminate” Russian shelling.  

Summary

First published
February 1, 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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS585

LOCATION

الشميطية, Shmaitieh, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One child was killed and three other civilians injured in airstrikes on Shmaitieh, according to local sources – though they are conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. Both the Violations Documentation Center and the Syrian Network for Human Rights named a nine-year-old victim as Mohammad Abdul Kareem

Summary

First published
February 9, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS628

LOCATION

أعزاز‎, A`zaz, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian, from Sheikh Miskeen in Dara’a, was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Aleppo, according to the Violations Documentation Centre. Syria Martrys also named the victim and blamed Russia.  

Summary

First published
February 16, 2016
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 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS692

LOCATION

قبتان الجبل, Qabtan al Jabal, Aleppo, Syria

One male civilian, named by the Violations Documentation Centre as 40-year-old Qasem Mahmoud Samoa, died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Qabtan al Jabal according to local sources. Activists told the Shaam News Network there were “several air raids on the towns of Anadan, Kafr Hamra, Hraytan and Ma’arat al Arteek in the northern countryside and

Summary

First published
February 28, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

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

May 30, 2016

Incident Code

RS820

LOCATION

منظومة شام الإسعافية, Sham Aiding system Idlib, Idlib, Syria

A single source, the Syrian Network for Human Rights, reported that “alleged Russian fixed-wing warplanes targeted the Sham Aiding system in Idlib city. As a result one civilian was killed and four vehicles belonging to Sham aiding system were damaged in addition to damages to the nearby buildings.” AH Relief – which published pictures of

Summary

First published
May 30, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
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

July 10, 2019

Incident Code

RS3884

LOCATION

كفرومة, Kafar Rouma, Idlib, Syria

Two women were killed in an alleged Syrian or Russian strike with explosive barrels on Kafar Rouma, south of Idlib, according to local sources. Dozens were reported injured. According to Shaam News, Syrian and Russian “military and helicopter gunships” carried out attacks on a number of towns and villages in Idlib countryside that day. Syrian

Summary

First published
July 10, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1–2 women)
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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

June 18, 2016

Incident Code

RS917

LOCATION

كفر حمرة, Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, Syria

Multiple sources, including LCCSY, and a video by Halab TV, reported a female civilian was killed in raids on Kafr Hamra. Umayyapress news reported that ‘more than two dozen airstrikes’ took place on Kafr Hamra, and pointed to both the regime and Russia. In a facebook post by LCCSY Russian action was also directly blamed for this

Summary

First published
June 18, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
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
Named victims
1 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS982

LOCATION

حي السكري, Sukkari (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

One man was killed in an attack by an alleged Russian warplane in al Sukkari on July 10th 2016. All sources reported that the attack was carried out by Russian; there was no mention of the Syrian regime. “Others” were reported to have been wounded with no mention of numbers. Sinn News however published a

Summary

First published
July 10, 2016
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

August 18, 2019

Incident Code

RS4049

LOCATION

معرة حرمة, Ma`arat Horma, Idlib, Syria

One civilian was reported killed at Ma`arat Horma on August 18th during the ongoing assault on rebel held areas by Russia in support of the regime. Shaam News reported the death of one civilian at the hands of suspected Russian aircraft at Ma’arat Horma – giving the date as August 18th. Two named civilians had

Summary

First published
August 18, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 25, 2019

Incident Code

RS4075

LOCATION

معرة حرمة, Ma`arat Horma, Idlib, Syria

At least one civilian was killed and at least two civilians were injured in alleged Russian airstrikes against the village of Ma’aret Harma in Idlib governorate on August 25, 2019. According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, “Fadi Turki al Athab was killed as fixed- wing warplanes we believe were Russian fired missiles on

Summary

First published
August 25, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2–3
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS1320

LOCATION

الشيخ خضر, al Sheikh Kudar, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian was killed in bombings on the neighbourhood of al-Sheikh Khudar in Aleppo on September 23rd, local sources reported. Most outlets reported on the death in similar language to @true_tube, as one of many in “a raid on nearly 30 neighbourhoods.” Halab News’ list of martyrs included one entry for an unidentified civilian in

Summary

First published
September 23, 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

October 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS1384

LOCATION

الهلّك, al Halak, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian died and others were wounded in what most sources said was a Syrian regime artillery strike on Aleppo’s al Halak neighbourhood. There was, however, one allegation against Russia. But @al-AMAWI, @Free_TV_Syria, Smart News Agency, Step News Agency, LCCSY and Halab News Network all pointed to a regime artillery strike causing civilian harm.

Summary

First published
October 2, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
1–2
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

October 13, 2016

Incident Code

RS1450

LOCATION

ارض الحمرا, Al Ard al Hamra, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian died and nine more were wounded in an alleged Russia or Syrian regime air or artillery strike on Aleppo’s Al Ard al Hamra neighbourhood. According to Zaitonmag, “Assad artillery shelling in Ard Al-Hamra wounded nine people badly.” Halab News listed one unidentified civilian as killed in a Russian strike on Al Ard al

Summary

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

Incident date

October 20, 2016

Incident Code

RS1482

LOCATION

مَعَرَّة النُّعْمَان, Maarat al Numan, Idlib, Syria

A member of the White Helmets died and five of his colleagues were wounded, along with “dozens more civilians” in a strike on the Civil Defence center in the city of Maarat al Numan, according to local media. Sources noted that the Civil Defence Center – “the most important center in the southern Idlib countryside”

Summary

First published
October 20, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
5–24
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
2 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

April 15, 2017

Incident Code

RS2129

LOCATION

معرة النعمان , Maarat al Numan, Idlib, Syria

One adult-male civilian died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Maarat al Numan, according to the Violations Documentation Centre. The Smart News Agency reported “warplanes that are likely to be Russian launched  raids on the towns of Ma’arat al-Nu’man, Jisr al-Shughur, Kafr Nabal, Bara, Kafr Safra, and al-Barajithi villages, resulting in injuries.”  

Summary

First published
April 15, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
1–2
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

April 7, 2017

Incident Code

RS2086

LOCATION

الزكاة, Al Zakat village, Hama, Syria

Local media named 22-year-old Ahmad Khaled al Daher al Kaisouha as killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Al Zakat village. According to Hama News Centre, the victim died “due to his wounds sustained in a Russian raid on the village of al Zakat in northern Hama.”  

Summary

First published
April 7, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 5, 2017

Incident Code

RS2323

LOCATION

منزل الواوي في مراط, Wawi house, Mrat, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One girl was killed and several other civilians were wounded following an alleged Russian airstrike in Wawi house, Mrat, Deir Ezzor, local media reported. In this incident, the “al-Wawi home” in Al Saba’a district was reportedly hit, causing the death of one named girl and a number of civilians were left wounded. Mrat was reportedly struck

Summary

First published
July 5, 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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 7, 2019

Incident Code

RS3615

LOCATION

كفرزيتا, Kafr Zeita, Hama, Syria

Local sources reported that an elderly man was killed when multiple Russian airstrikes allegedly struck several neighbourhoods in the city of Kafr Zeita. Local news outlet Baladi News reported that the Russian Airforce conducted eight airstrikes with high-explosive rockets on residential neighbourhoods in the town. According to Step News, the Russian planes launched a total

Summary

First published
April 7, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
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
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 13, 2015

Incident Code

RS146

LOCATION

خنيفيس, Khnefes, Homs, Syria

According to the Violations Documentation Center and Al Qaryatayn, one adult male named was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Khnefes near Palmyra. His Facebook martyr’s page noted: “We celebrate the life of the martyr Khaled Saleh Al Darweesh [Al Arabiya], Abou Sleiman, who died on Friday following the oppressive Russian planes raids on

Summary

First published
November 13, 2015
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, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 8, 2015

Incident Code

RS244

LOCATION

تلول الحمر, Tulul Al Humur, Hama, Syria

The Violations Documentation Center listed one unidentified adult female as killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Tulul Al Humur. No further details are available at the present time.  

Summary

First published
December 8, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

December 24, 2015

Incident Code

RS308

LOCATION

الديرونة, Daironeh, Hama, Syria

One adult male civilian, Staif al-Wahban, was reported killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Daironeh, Hama, according to the Violations Documentation Center and the Syrian Human Rights Campaign. No additional details are presently known.  

Summary

First published
December 24, 2015
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
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 28, 2019

Incident Code

RS3731

LOCATION

البوابية, Al Bawabia, Aleppo, Syria

A civilian was reported killed and eight others injured when an airstrike struck the village of Al Bawabia and a section of the Damascus-Aleppo international road in the morning of May 28th. The images shared by the Syrian Civil Defense shows that the victim is a man. The airstrike destroyed a civilian property and burned

Summary

First published
May 28, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
8
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Suspected target
Unknown
View Incident