Russian Military in Syria

A Russian combat aircraft at Khmeimim airbase in Syria being prepared for action. (Russian Ministry of Defence)

Belligerent
Russian Military
Country
Syria
start date
end date
Civilian Harm Status
Belligerent Assessment
Declassified Documents
Infrastructure

Incident date

January 11, 2017

Incident Code

RS1821

LOCATION

بابيص, Babis, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

An unidentified man was killed following an alleged Russian airstrike on Babis, Aleppo, local media reported. According to one source, a woman was wounded, and most other sources reported several were wounded. The majority of sources didn’t  attribute blame, however several pointed to Russian warplanes. Sources reported the alleged use of rockets and vacuum missiles. There

Summary

First published
January 11, 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
View Incident

Incident date

April 9, 2017

Incident Code

RS2099

LOCATION

داعل, Dael, Daraa, Syria

One civilian was killed and three injured in an airstrike in Dael, Dara’a, according to local media sources –  though it was unclear whether Russia or Assad’s regime were responsible. The strike hit the field hospital “Nabd Houran”, which according to Alaraby provided medical services to over 100,000 people. One nurse was killed in the

Summary

First published
April 9, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
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 belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 20, 2017

Incident Code

RS2149

LOCATION

كفرزيتا, Kafr Zita, Hama, Syria

A woman was killed in the night, following an alleged Russian raid on Kafr Zita, according to local media. Two of the sources blamed Russia for the raids, and the third did not attribute any blame. There were no reports of any wounded civilians. There are no more details at this time.

Summary

First published
April 20, 2017
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
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 13, 2017

Incident Code

RS2282

LOCATION

عزالدين, Izzedin, Homs, Syria

A male child was killed, and between one and two other civilians were wounded, following the explosion of remnants left by a previous airstrike on Izzedin, local media reported. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. Some blamed a previous Russian raid, while others blamed the Syrian regime. The sources, however, do agree

Summary

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

May 25, 2017

Incident Code

RS2255

LOCATION

الترن, al Tarn, Raqqa, Syria

At least one civilian was killed and others were wounded in three alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrikes against the village of al Tarn near the village of Dibsi Faraj in the western Tabaqa countryside of Raqqa, according to local sources and activists. Conflicting reports were given as to who was responsible for the airstrikes.

Summary

First published
May 25, 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, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 24, 2017

Incident Code

RS2507

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

At least one male civilian was killed and three others were wounded in six alleged Russian airstrikes against the town of Khan Sheikhun in southern Idlib as reported by local sources. Saidat al Yasmin reported that “A squadron of Russian planes in the sky of the province of Idlib” – highlighting the presence of Russian

Summary

First published
September 24, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
3
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 28, 2017

Incident Code

RS2661

LOCATION

البوكمال, Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

An elderly man was reportedly killed following an airstrike on Abu Kamal at noon on October 28th. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. Most blamed Russian warplanes, however some did not attribute blame, while Syrian Network for Human Rights said that the Syrian regime was responsible. The strike reportedly “targeted the perimeter

Summary

First published
October 28, 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, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 18, 2017

Incident Code

RS2805

LOCATION

التح, Al Tah, Idlib, Syria

One girl was killed and two other civilians were wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes on the residential neighbourhood of Al Tah, according to local media. Images published by a local source, @alathre1989, shows the severe damage to the residential property. Despite most sources reporting that the casualty was a female child, @hish_m_c alleged that she

Summary

First published
December 19, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child0–1 women)
Civilians reported injured
2–3
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 2, 2018

Incident Code

RS2836

LOCATION

الهيمانية, Al-Haymaniya, Hama, Syria

A young man was killed by airstrikes which raided the village of Al-Haymaniya in Hama. Sources either blamed Russia or did not attribute blame. A number of civilians were reportedly injured however local media did not specify how many. According to Baladi, “Russian warplanes launched air raids with high-explosive missiles on the village of Haymaneya

Summary

First published
January 2, 2018
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 19, 2017

Incident Code

RS2473

LOCATION

الهبيط, Al-Habeet, Idlib, Syria

A man died during alleged Russian or Syrian shelling on the town of Al-Habeet in rural Idlib, local sources reported. Salah Ahmad Al-Jamili had come to the city from Helfaya, according to the Syrian Network for Human Rights.  

Summary

First published
September 19, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 3, 2019

Incident Code

RS3649

LOCATION

الهبيط, Al Habit, Idlib, Syria

A male civilian was killed in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the town of Al Habit, Idlib governorate, on May 3r, 2019, according to local sources. At least one other man was reportedly wounded. HalabTodayTV reported that a civilian was killed in airstrikes by a warplane, without identifying the belligerent. Al Arabiya reported

Summary

First published
May 3, 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
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
Other
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 7, 2019

Incident Code

RS3679

LOCATION

البارة, Al Bara, Idlib, Syria

A civilian was killed and others were injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the town of Al Bara in rural Idlib on May 7th, 2019, according to local sources. Jorf News wrote that “a civilian was killed and others were wounded by airstrikes on the town of Al Bara in the southern

Summary

First published
May 7, 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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 26, 2015

Incident Code

RS194

LOCATION

القريتين, Al Qaryatayn, Homs, Syria

One adult male civilian was reported killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Qaryatain according to the Violations Documentation Center. Most other sources instead said both the Assad regime and Russian aircraft participated in the event. Indicating the chaos on the ground, QNN6 reported: “Assad’s gangs, supported by Russia… are bombing the town of al

Summary

First published
November 26, 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 19, 2015

Incident Code

RS291

LOCATION

العثمانية, Al Othmaniya, Aleppo, Syria

A 50-year old woman named as Mrs. Salwa Al Shahadi, was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Al Othmaniya. The VDC reported that Mrs al Shadadi originally came from Zimar village, and died “due to Russian air forces shelling on Othmaniye town.“ The local Jisr TV station blamed her death and several injuries on “airstrikes

Summary

First published
December 19, 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

January 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS355

LOCATION

سراقب, Saraqib, Idlib, Syria

One civilian was killed and several others injured in an alleged Russian airstrike on Saraqib, according to the Shaam News Network.    

Summary

First published
January 9, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
2–6
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 4, 2019

Incident Code

RS3763

LOCATION

الفطيرة, Al Fatira, Idlib, Syria

A woman was killed in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the village of Al Fatira, Idlib governorate, on June 4th, 2019, according to a local source. An unknown number of civilians was reported injured. Step News Agency reported the death of one woman in airstrikes on Al Fatira, Idlib, June 4th. Step also

Summary

First published
June 4, 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
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

February 1, 2016

Incident Code

RS515

LOCATION

كفر حمرة, Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, Syria

One child was killed and 16 other civilians injured in airstrikes on Kafr Hamra, according to local sources. The Shaam News Network reported that Russian warplanes carried out raids on “the towns of Tal Rafa’at, Mare’, Anadan, Kafr Hamra, Hayyan, Ratyan, Bayanoun, Al Mallah, Ma’arasta al Khan, Ihress, Deir al Zeitoun, Bashoui and Asiya.” They

Summary

First published
February 1, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
16
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

June 18, 2019

Incident Code

RS3817

LOCATION

اللطامنة, Al Latamina, Hama, Syria

A civilian was reported killed in the explosion of a remnant from an alleged Russian or Syrian regime fired cluster munition in Al Latamina, Hama, on June 18th, 2019, according to local sources. It is unclear when the airstrike firing the munition took place. @HalabTodayTV correspondent reported that “a civilian was killed due to the explosion

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
(1 man)
Cause of injury / death
Planted explosives and unexploded ordnance (UXO)
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 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS579

LOCATION

كفر حمرة, Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian was killed and 10 others injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on Kafr Hamra, according to local sources. Syrian Press Center reported that Russia carried out four raids, killing one non-combatant and injuring 10 more – adding that the death toll was expected to rise due to the severity of some of the injuries.

Summary

First published
February 9, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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
View Incident

Incident date

February 15, 2016

Incident Code

RS611

LOCATION

النشابية, Al Nashabiya, Damascus, Syria

Shaam News Network reported that “Russian enemy planes launched dozens of raids on the towns of eastern Ghouta” leading to the death of one civilian in Al Nashabiya. Abu-Muaz Al Dumi also blamed Russia.

Summary

First published
February 15, 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

May 10, 2018

Incident Code

RS3432

LOCATION

النقير, Al Naqir, Idlib, Syria

A girl was killed in the village of Al Naqir in rural Idlib as a result of bombings by alleged Russian warplanes on May 10th 2018, local sources reported. Idlib Media Center wrote that a child was killed “as a result of targeting with rockets by the Russian occupation aircraft in the town of Al

Summary

First published
May 10, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
2
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS771

LOCATION

حي ‫‏بعيدين‬, Bei'deen (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Several sources reported alleged Russian airstrikes on the neighbourhood of Bei’deen, which led to the death of one or more civilians including a child. A  Halab Today correspondent said “four civilians [were] wounded in my neighborhood as a result of the aerial bombardment of the Russian air force”. LCCSY reported that one child was killed and one

Summary

First published
April 27, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
1–4
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

May 20, 2016

Incident Code

RS803

LOCATION

حريتان, Hraytan, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian died and between five and ten were injured in strikes on Hraytan, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. The Shaam News Network said that one civilian was killed and five were wounded in Russian strikes, “noting that

Summary

First published
May 20, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
5–10
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 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS868

LOCATION

ذيبان‬, Ziban, Deir Ezzor, Syria

On June 8th, a single source, Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently, reported that a civilian died from wounds sustained in an alleged Russian strike a few days previously. No further details are currently available.

Summary

First published
June 6, 2016
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 7, 2018

Incident Code

RS3196

LOCATION

الشيفونية, Al Shifonya, Damascus, Syria

A civilian was killed due to air or artillery shelling on Al Shifonya, local media reported. Of the two sources which reported on this incident, one of them blamed both Russia and the regime while the other did not attribute blame. Smart News Agency reported that the death came “as a result of artillery, air

Summary

First published
March 7, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

March 11, 2018

Incident Code

RS3223

LOCATION

مديرا, Madera, Damascus, Syria

One adult male, named as Ahmad Maerouf al-Malla, was killed due to airstrikes in Madera, local media reported. Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
March 11, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 25, 2019

Incident Code

RS3959

LOCATION

اليعقوبية, Al Yakoubiya, Idlib, Syria

Armin Yaqoub Khalilo, a man from the Christian community, died in the village of Al Yaqoubia in Idlib, on July 25th, 2019, due to the explosion of cluster bomb remnants from an alleged previous Russian or Syrian regime bombing. According to various local sources such as Shaam News Network, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights,

Summary

First published
July 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 man)
Cause of injury / death
Planted explosives and unexploded ordnance (UXO)
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 28, 2019

Incident Code

RS4090

LOCATION

تلمنس, Telmans, Idlib, Syria

The Step News agency reported the death of one civilian in an alleged Russia or regime air or artillery strike on Telmans on August 28, 2019. Step News identified one civil as being killed while Smart reported that there were wounded civilians in a regime strike. A tweet by @alhariri58 described vacuum missiles as being

Summary

First published
August 28, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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

September 7, 2016

Incident Code

RS1238

LOCATION

Kafr Zita, Hama, Syria

Al Latamna Youth reported the death of one civilian male following cluster bomb raids by suspected Russian planes on the town of Kafr Zita.  No further details are currently available.

Summary

First published
September 7, 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

February 17, 2017

Incident Code

RS1899

LOCATION

بصرى الشام , Basra al Sham, Daraa, Syria

Local media reported the death of one adult male civilian (named below) in an airstrike on Basra al Sham. Most sources attributed the strike to Russia – and published images showing widespread destruction in the town. Civilian homes and a school were among the buildings reportedly damaged. However Aljazeera and several other sources reported that the

Summary

First published
February 17, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
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