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

July 21, 2019

Incident Code

RS3929

LOCATION

جبالا, Jabala, Idlib, Syria

One civilian was reported killed and four others, including a woman, were injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the town of Jabala, Idlib governorate, on July 21st, 2019. According to the Syrian Civil Defense, “one man was killed and four others, including a woman, were injured by the targeting of the town

Summary

First published
July 21, 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
4
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
View Incident

Incident date

July 31, 2017

Incident Code

CS1304 RS2374

LOCATION

قرية الكشمة, Al Kasham, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Ten civilians were reported injured in airstrikes on Al Kasham village according to local media – though it was unclear who was responsible, with allegations against the Coalition, Russia and the Syrian regime. According to Euphrates Post, one male also died in a Russian strike on the village. The source also named the following two civilians

Summary

First published
July 31, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2–10
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS1177

LOCATION

احسم, Ihsem, Jabal al Zawia, Idlib, Syria

One child died in an airstrike on Ihsem, Jabal Al-Zawia, local media reported. Two sources said that the regime carried out attacks on the town. While none of the reports blamed Russia, most of them referred to unidentified “warplanes”, meaning that Moscow’ involvement could not be ruled out. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported

Summary

First published
August 21, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

August 31, 2019

Incident Code

RS4096

LOCATION

أورم الكبرى, Urma al-Kubrah, Aleppo, Syria

At least one civilian, a child, was killed and six other civilians were injured in alleged Russian airstrikes against the Al-Iman Hospital in the town of Urma Al-Kubra on August 31, 2019. Russian airstrikes allegedly struck the Al-Iman Hospital for children and women in the town of Urma Al-Kubra in western Aleppo in the middle

Summary

First published
August 31, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
3–6
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 belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

September 1, 2016

Incident Code

RS1210

LOCATION

دير الزور, Deir ez-Zor, Deir Ezzor, Syria

The Violations Documentation Centre named one child killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Deir Ezzor. Euphrates Post also named the child and blamed Russia for his death. A number of other sources didn’t identify the “warplanes” responsible.

Summary

First published
September 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

September 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS1242

LOCATION

التح, al Tah, Idlib, Syria

One child died and six or seven other civilians were injured in an alleged Russian airstrike on Bennesh in Idlib, according to local media. Sources reported that the strike hit Fatima Al-Zahra mosque. The Shaam News Network reported that the mosque was destroyed in the attack – while reports put the number on non-combatants wounded

Summary

First published
September 9, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
4–8
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 17, 2016

Incident Code

RS1275 CS315

LOCATION

تل حسان, Tall Hassan, Aleppo, Syria

One named civilian died and between three and 15 others were injured in an airstrike on Tall Hassan’s main mosque, near Aleppo – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia, the Assad regime or the US-led Coalition were to blame. Lens Young Manbij reported that “A short while ago a Coalition raid on the

Summary

First published
September 17, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
3–15
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, US-led Coalition
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 22, 2016

Incident Code

RS1307

LOCATION

حي خان العسل, Khan Al Assal (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

A 44-year-old woman, was killed by warplanes striking the town of Khan al Assal, west of Aleppo, local reports claimed – though sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. @ShahbaPress tweeted that “Russian occupation aircraft bombed the town of Kafr Dael phosphorus, rockets and Khan Al Assal

Summary

First published
September 22, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
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

November 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS1666

LOCATION

مساكن هنانو, Masaken Hanano, Aleppo, Syria

Local sources reported that airstrikes struck the city of Masaken Hanano, Aleppo, and led to the death of two civilians and several injured. The strikes were reportedly  part of a widespread shelling of Aleppo. According to Sky News, “intensive raids targeted the neighbourhoods of the Masaken Hanano, Salah al-Din and Al Jazmati and Al Mashhad.

Summary

First published
November 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

November 14, 2016

Incident Code

RS1576

LOCATION

دوما , Douma, Eastern Ghouta, Damascus, Syria

According to LCCSY, “Russian warplanes launched two airstrikes with thermobaric missiles on residential neighborhoods in #Douma where a martyr and several wounded were reported.” However, Syria News Desk pointed to the Assad regime, reporting: “a young man was killed and others injured, at dawn today [Nov 14th], in Douma city which is under the control

Summary

First published
November 14, 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
View Incident

Incident date

January 11, 2017

Incident Code

RS1823

LOCATION

مسكنة, Maskanah, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

A young man was killed when alleged Russian shelling struck “militants” in a sugar factory and a farm in Maskanah, Aleppo, local media reported. All sources blamed Russian warplanes for the raids. There were no reports of wounded civilians.  According to @fathi_1999, three raids struck the town. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
January 11, 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

February 15, 2017

Incident Code

RS1895

LOCATION

صيدا , Saida, Daraa, Syria

One named child died and dozens more civilians were wounded in alleged Russia or Assad regime airstrike on Saida, according to sources on the ground. Omar Balkhi5  reported that a hospital in the town had been put out of service and that “dozens” of civilians had been wounded in a Russian strike. According to Aljazeera, “a

Summary

First published
February 15, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 11, 2017

Incident Code

RS2426

LOCATION

معبار حطلة , Hatla Crossing, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One civilian, Mousa ‘Abd al-Salam al-Kharabah, was killed in an airstrike on the Hatla crossing in Deir Ezzor governorate on September 11th 2017, according to local media. It is unclear who was responsible for the strikes. The Violation Documentation Centre in Syria blamed the ‘Syrian government and its militias’, but does not directly identify the

Summary

First published
September 11, 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

December 11, 2017

Incident Code

RS2793

LOCATION

البوحمد, Al Buhamad, Raqqa, Syria

A man was reportedly killed when remnants from an unexploaded rocket detonated. Sources all agreed that the missile was from a previous Russian bombing, though the date of the bombing is unknown. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
December 11, 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

October 23, 2015

Incident Code

RS069

LOCATION

اللطامنة, Ltamenah, Hama, Syria

An alleged Russian airstrike on a field hospital in northern Hama injured a number of people including medical staff and killed one, according to reports. Up to six rebels also died. “Russian warplanes launched a raid at the field hospital in the town of Al-Lataminah countryside north of Hama, which inflicted casualties among the medical

Summary

First published
October 23, 2015
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

November 8, 2015

Incident Code

RS133

LOCATION

البوابية, Bawabiyah, Aleppo, Syria

According to multiple sources, one man was killed and at least five non-combatants were injured by alleged Russian warplanes targeted the village of Buwaybiyah in southern Aleppo countryside.  

Summary

First published
November 8, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

November 18, 2015

Incident Code

RS165

LOCATION

الكركات, Al Karkat, Hama, Syria

The Union of Hamas Rebels reported that one child who was killed – and two or more people injured – in alleged Russian airstrikes on the village of Al Karat. The VDC also named the boy, who it said had died “Due to the Russian air forces shelling of Karakat village.” The Syrian News Desk

Summary

First published
November 18, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 13, 2019

Incident Code

RS3693

LOCATION

اللطامنة, Al Latmina, Idlib, Syria

One civilian was reported killed and others injured as a result of alleged Russian forces or Syrian regime artillery shelling on Ma’ardas town in Latamna on May 13th, 2019. Justice Organization reported that “The citizen Muhammad Ali Al-Jada’a was killed by Russian camp’s artillery shelling, west of the town of Ma’rades, in the city of

Summary

First published
May 13, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Artillery
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, Unknown
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 27, 2015

Incident Code

RS198

LOCATION

جسر الشغور, Jisr al Shughour, Idlib, Syria

The VDC and others identified an adult female civilian as having been killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Jisr al Shughour. Two additional non-combatants including one child were reportedly injured. Local media activist Tariq Abd Aluhak posted what he said were pictures of rescuers after the event.  

Summary

First published
November 27, 2015
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 21, 2017

Incident Code

RS2490

LOCATION

رسم الطويل, Rasim al Taweel, Hama, Syria

According to the Smart News Agency, there were “dead and wounded as a result of a Russian air bombardment on the village of Rasim al Taweel, east of Hama”. No other sources civilian harm, but they said that the regime had taken control of the village.

Summary

First published
September 21, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

May 25, 2019

Incident Code

RS3714

LOCATION

الفطيرة, Al Fatira, Idlib, Syria

A woman was killed in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the village of Al Fattira, Idlib governorate, on May 25th, 2019, according to local sources. An unknown number of civilians was injured. The Syrian Civil Defense, Step News Agency and the Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that a woman was killed in

Summary

First published
May 25, 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 woman)
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

May 31, 2019

Incident Code

RS3740

LOCATION

بنين, Benin, Idlib, Syria

Local sources reported that a civilian was killed and his child was wounded in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the road between the village of Benin and Al Dana district on May 31st, 2019. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported: “Marwan Hussein al Ali, who was displaced from Eqerbat town in Hama

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
1
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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 8, 2018

Incident Code

RS2996

LOCATION

سراقب, Saraqeb, Idlib, Syria

Local sources reported one civilian was killed and several were left wounded as alleged Russian airstrikes hit a grain production in Saraqeb, Idlib. Footage from the aftermath of the incident showed how the area, containing a farm for grain production was struck and largely left destroyed. Among the sources who reported the death toll, all reported one fatality. It

Summary

First published
February 8, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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

February 24, 2016

Incident Code

RS658

LOCATION

اللطامنة, Ltamenah, Hama, Syria

One civilian was killed in an airstrike on Ltamenah according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Assad regime was responsible. A citizen journalist, Mohammad Hamaoui, posted a video showing a missile reportedly dropped by a Russian warplane. And according to Zaman Masdar, “Russian warplanes launched an attack

Summary

First published
February 24, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 17, 2017

Incident Code

RS2461

LOCATION

موحسن, Mohassein, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One female was killed due to alleged Russian and Syrian regime raids on Mohassein, local media reported. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
September 17, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
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 4, 2018

Incident Code

RS3163

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

One woman was killed and four others were wounded in airstrikes on Khan Sheikhoun, local media reported. Most sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime or the raids. Smart News Agency reported that “warplanes launched a rocket-propelled grenade in the center of the city, killing one woman and wounding four others, including two women

Summary

First published
March 4, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 18, 2016

Incident Code

RS915

LOCATION

الهزيمة, Al Hazimah, Raqqa, Syria

One civilian died at midday on June 18th, after incurring injuries from alleged Russian airstrikes on Hazima village, northern Ar Raqqah, local media reported. Baladi News said that the man died, “as a result of military aviation targeting al Hazima  village” in the midst of “great destruction in the region”. Though Baladi did not specify that the

Summary

First published
June 18, 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

June 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS948

LOCATION

خان الشيح‬, Khan al Sheikh, Damascus, Syria

Local media reported the death of one civilian and injury of four more people in alleged Russian airstrikes on Khan al Sheikh. According to Syrian Press Center “Russian planes carried out 24 air strikes, including the use of eight cluster strikes, on targeting Khan al Sheikh, resulting in civilian casualties, according to activists”. Smart News

Summary

First published
June 27, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
4
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 24, 2016

Incident Code

RS1044

LOCATION

Yashnatra, Aleppo, Syria

Local media reported that Russian warplanes carried out strikes on Yashnatra town, leading to civilian casualties – though sources didn’t specify numbers. However, Arabstoday blamed the regime, reporting three civilians wounded. Other sources referred only to “warplanes”.

Summary

First published
July 24, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

July 8, 2017

Incident Code

CS1173 RS2327

LOCATION

الموحسن, Muhassan, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One woman possibly died in an airstrike on Mohsen village, according to local media – though it’s currently unclear who was responsible for her death. None of the sources specifically blamed the Coalition, with many referring only to “warplanes” carrying out strikes on the Al-Zaeem roundabout and the perimeter of Al-Wasat School. However, Tt1463000 said

Summary

First published
July 8, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident