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

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

October 1, 2017

Incident Code

RS2578

LOCATION

السعلو, Sa'lo, Deir Ezzor, Syria

In this single-source incident, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that “a man was killed in a bombardment by warplanes believed to be Russian on al-Salu village in the countryside of Deir Ezzor”. Currently, there are no further details.  

Summary

First published
October 1, 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

November 14, 2015

Incident Code

RS147

LOCATION

حريتان, Hraytan, Aleppo, Syria

One adult male a doctor – was reported killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Hraytan, according to the Violations Documentation Center. The Syrian Network for Human Rights also stated that alleged Russian warplanes launched three rockets on the Asia Industrial Pharmaceutical Factory in the northern suburbs of Aleppo, which caused the fire of warehouses

Summary

First published
November 14, 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

January 11, 2018

Incident Code

RS2885

LOCATION

سراقب, Saraqeb, Idlib, Syria

A man was killed and four others were wounded in airstrikes which struck Saraqeb, according to local media. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, most blaming Russia while one sources blamed the Syrian regime. According to local media there was damage to civilian properties, in the “four raids” which struck the vicinity.

Summary

First published
January 11, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
4
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 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

Incident date

June 3, 2019

Incident Code

RS3755

LOCATION

حيش, Heesh, Idlib, Syria

Multiple sources reported that one civilian was killed in Heesh, Idlib, on June 3rd. Three sources named the victim of the airstrikes as Abdel Qadir al-Salloum. Syrian Network for Human Rights and other sources claimed that “missiles were fired near Martyr Fajr al Ismail School”, with this source also reporting that the airstrikes “destroyed the school’s

Summary

First published
June 3, 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
(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

June 13, 2019

Incident Code

RS3794

LOCATION

جوزف, Jouzef , Idlib, Syria

A child was killed in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Jouzef, Idlib, on June 13th, 2019, according to local sources. At least one other man was injured. @shabablatamni tweeted: “A child was killed and others were wounded, as the regime’s warplanes bombed the village of Jouzef, in the southern Idlib countryside.” Syrian Network

Summary

First published
June 13, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
1–2
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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS469

LOCATION

عندان, Anadan, Aleppo, Syria

One adult male civilian, was killed and ten others injured in an alleged Russian airstrike on a charity hospital in Anadan, according to local sources. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that Abdul Rahman Abeid died when Russian warplanes fired missiles on Anadan. A later report by SN4HR gave more details, explaining that the victim was an assistant surgeon

Summary

First published
January 27, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 14, 2018

Incident Code

RS3270

LOCATION

كفر سجنة, Kafar Sijna, Idlib, Syria

One civilian, a 17-year-old male, named Mohammed Saif Al-Din Qassoum Al-Issa died in an alleged Russian or regime airstrike on Kafar Sijna, according to local media. Sources said that several other civilians were wounded.

Summary

First published
September 9, 2019
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
Belligerents reported killed
2
View Incident

Incident date

June 18, 2019

Incident Code

RS3816

LOCATION

المنطقة الصناعية, Industry zone (Al Mantiq Al Sina’iya), Idlib, Syria

One civilian was reported killed and two to eight civilians, including at least one child, were injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the industrial zone Al Mantiq Al Sina’iya, in the vicinity of Idlib, on June 18th, 2019, according to local sources. @syr_television reported that “one person was killed and three others

Summary

First published
June 18, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
3–8
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

February 7, 2016

Incident Code

RS565

LOCATION

الصبخة, Sabheh, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One woman, named by the Violations Documentation Center as Fatemah Naeif al Abdullah, was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Sabheh according to some local sources – though one other report said the regime was responsible. The woman was also named by Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently, who said she was 24-years-old. Damascus

Summary

First published
February 7, 2016
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

February 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS629

LOCATION

ﺣﻠﺐ, Aleppo, Syria

The Violations Documentation Center named another civilian male from Sheikh Miskeen in Daraa as a victim of “Russian air forces shelling” in Aleppo. The victim was additionally named by Syria Martrys, which also 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

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

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

Incident date

August 29, 2017

Incident Code

RS2411

LOCATION

الشميطية, Shumetiya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Local sources reported that one civilian man, identified by name, was killed by alleged Russian airstrikes in Shumetiya, the countryside of Deir Ezzor. There were no reports about the number of wounded.  

Summary

First published
August 29, 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

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