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

September 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS1368

LOCATION

تير معلة, Teir Ma'ala, Homs, Syria

One child, Abdulmalik al-Ahdab, was reportedly killed in alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrikes on Teir Ma’ala near Homs. Syria News Desk wrote that “A 15-year-old boy was killed and other civilians were wounded in the late hours of the night yesterday [Sept 29th] by the Russian warplanes targeting the village of Teir Ma’ala.” Most

Summary

First published
September 29, 2016
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
View Incident

Incident date

October 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS1498

LOCATION

Al Teeba, Homs, Syria

One girl died and several more civilians were wounded in Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the Al Teeba area in Homs, according to sources on the ground. According to the Syrian Press Center ,”Russian air strikes on Sunday [Oct 23rd] targeted a camp for the displaced in the area of Taybeh in rural northern

Summary

First published
October 23, 2016
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
View Incident

Incident date

January 17, 2019

Incident Code

RS3576

LOCATION

اللطامنة, Al Lataminah, Hama, Syria

A 53-year-old man died and up to four of his family members were wounded and rescued from the rubble of their home in Al Lataminah, following an alleged Russian airstrike or artillery shelling by the Assad regime, according to sources on the ground. Syria.tv noted that the adult male victim, Khaled Karmo Al-Hilal (named by multiple sources)

Summary

First published
January 17, 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
2–4
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 28, 2017

Incident Code

RS2196

LOCATION

سرج,, Sarja, Idlib, Syria

On April 28th, Alhuralhalabi reported “the death of a woman injured by a previous Russian air raid on the village of Sarja in the southern countryside of Idlib.” According to RFS Media Office, “Huda Ahmed Haj Musa was martyred from the town of Sarja in Jebel al-Zawia in rural Idlib because of the injuries she

Summary

First published
April 28, 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 1, 2017

Incident Code

RS2265

LOCATION

معرة النعمان , Ma’arat Al-Nu’man, Idlib, Syria

A nine year old girl was killed, and another girl was wounded, due to the explosion of cluster bomb remnants, dropped earlier by an airstrike, according to local media. The bomb dropped earlier, the date is unspecified, was likely to be Russian. The girls were reportedly playing close to the remnants, in the town of

Summary

First published
June 1, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
1
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 9, 2017

Incident Code

RS2383

LOCATION

سوحا, Suha, Hama, Syria

A man was killed, and several others were wounded, following airstrikes on Suha – according to local media. Sources all blamed Russian warplanes for the strikes. Baladi reported that the victims home was “targeted” with high explosive rockets.  There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
August 9, 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

November 4, 2017

Incident Code

RS2678

LOCATION

ابو حية, Abo Hayya, Hama, Syria

A 15-year-old boy was killed, and five civilians were wounded, following alleged Russian airstrikes on Abo Hayya, according to local media. All sources blamed Russian warplanes. Alaraby specified that “Russian warplanes launched seven raids on the village of Al-Rihan and shelled the village of Abu Hayya in al-Hamra district in the eastern province’s countryside, killing

Summary

First published
November 4, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

November 12, 2017

Incident Code

RS2726

LOCATION

صبيخان, Sabikhan, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One man was killed, and others were inured in shelling which struck Sabikhan. Neither sources named Russia as culpable, however Airwars understands Russian warplanes were bombing the vicinity at this period of time. Additionally, Smart News reported that “civilians were killed and others injured on Sunday by an airstrike likely to be carried out by

Summary

First published
November 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

September 26, 2017

Incident Code

RS2535

LOCATION

أورم الكبرى , Orme al Kubra, Aleppo, Syria

A man was killed and three children were injured by an airstrike, likely to be Russian, near the village of Urum Al Kubra in the southern Aleppo countryside, local media reported. Smart News Agency reported that the man and children were from the same family. It should be noted that this report may refer to

Summary

First published
September 26, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

November 1, 2015

Incident Code

RS109

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

A child was killed and ‘dozens of civilians’ were injured “as a result of five Russian air strikes [each strike firing more than one missile] targeting residential neighborhoods in the city of Douma” according to the White Helmets. Intense artillery shelling was also reported on Douma. VDC named the child as Judi Bashar al Zhairi, and

Summary

First published
November 1, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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
View Incident

Incident date

December 22, 2015

Incident Code

RS303

LOCATION

تفتناز, Taftanaz, Idlib, Syria

One adult male civilian, Mudar Abdulhameed Ezz, was listed killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Taftanaz, according to the Violations Documentation Center. In fact Mr Ezz lived in Taftanez but died in a December 20th airstrike on Idlib, with his body recovered from the ruins of the courthouse two days later.  

Summary

First published
December 22, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 20, 2018

Incident Code

RS2921

LOCATION

حيش, Heesh, Idlib, Syria

One civilian was killed, according to local media, when airstrikes hit the vicinity of Heesh. Most local media blamed Russian warplanes, however some did not attribute blame. Civil Defence teams pulled the body from the rubble in the aftermath of the bombing on civilian homes in Heesh. According to @SyriaCivilDefe, cluster bombs and Russian rockets

Summary

First published
January 20, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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

January 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS431

LOCATION

محيميدة, Mahimideh, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One adult male was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Mahimideh according to local sources. Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently reported that a Russian raid destroyed a house and that there were “many injuries“, though deaths were not mentioned. According to ANA Press, Russia warplanes “stepped up raids on the western countryside of

Summary

First published
January 21, 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

January 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS495

LOCATION

معرسته الخان, Ma'arasta Al Khan, Aleppo, Syria

One person was killed and three injured in an alleged Russian airstrike on civilian vehicles on the Ma’arasta al Khan road. According to Halab Today, cluster rockets were used in the attack.  

Summary

First published
January 28, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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
View Incident

Incident date

February 22, 2016

Incident Code

RS655

LOCATION

ابطع, Ibta', Daraa, Syria

One adult female was killed in an airstrike on Ibta’, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the regime. The VDC named the victim and said she died “in a Jordanian hospital due to her wounds sustained by the regime air forces’ shelling”

Summary

First published
February 22, 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

March 3, 2018

Incident Code

RS3152

LOCATION

أوتايا, Otaya, Damascus, Syria

One civilian was killed and an unspecified number of others were wounded in air and artillery strikes on Otaya, local media reported. There were not many specific details reported, but it is clear that Otaya was one of many small towns struck in Idlib on the 3rd. Arabic Euro reported “the latest air raids and

Summary

First published
March 3, 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

April 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS783

LOCATION

المعادي, Al Ma'adi (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Shaam News Network reported that “as usual warplanes and helicopters continue to fly over the city of Aleppo for the 8th consecutive day bringing people death and destruction. Russian and Assad’s planes launched dozens of raids with vacum missiles and barrel bombs“. They recorded one death in Al Ma’adi. In a tweet by TRTalarabeya both

Summary

First published
April 29, 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

July 11, 2019

Incident Code

RS3893

LOCATION

الكفير, Al Kafir, Idlib, Syria

One civilian was reported killed, and 19 to 27 injured in airstrikes on Al Kafir, Idlib, on July 11th. Jisr Media Center named 70-year old Omar Jabbu as killed in the attack, and  27 others who were wounded in the incident, including many children. Syrian Observatory for Human Rights alleged that “more than 19 people

Summary

First published
July 11, 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
19–27
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
Named victims
28 named, 4 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 17, 2016

Incident Code

RS912

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Shiekhoun, Idlib, Syria

Multiple sources reported that a woman died and five other civilians wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes on Khan Sheikhoun. The syriannewsdesk, and Halab Today TV were among sources that blamed the attacks on Russian warplanes, specifying the use of cluster bombs. The Shaam News Network reported that some of those injured involved “cases of amputation due to

Summary

First published
June 17, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
5–8
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

July 8, 2016

Incident Code

RS977

LOCATION

كفر ناها, Kafr Naha, Aleppo, Syria

One child died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Kafr Naha, according to local media. Halab Today and Orient News blamed Russia. Syria_Feed reported on shelling and heavy machine guns, while all other sources claimed only shelling.

Summary

First published
July 8, 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
View Incident

Incident date

July 24, 2016

Incident Code

RS1041

LOCATION

Hakim hospital, Al Shiaar neighbourhood, Aleppo, Syria

One child died in an airstrike on Hakim hospital, a specialist children’s hospital in Aleppo – and reportedly the last remaining in the city. Sources alleged the hospital was targeted or struck twice in 12 hours. But it was not clear who was responsible, with sources pointing to both Russia and the Syrian regime.  A

Summary

First published
July 24, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
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
Unknown, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 28, 2017

Incident Code

CS1112 RS2308

LOCATION

Al Lattoum village, Homs, Syria

One child died and several members of his family were injured in an airstrike on Al Lattoum village, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of the US-led Coalition (against which there was just one allegation), Russia or the Syrian regime. Alsoukhnaalhadath reported the death of

Summary

First published
June 28, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
1–3
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

March 11, 2018

Incident Code

RS3237

LOCATION

جسرين, Jisreen, Damascus, Syria

A child was killed and others were wounded in airstrikes in Jisreen, according to local media. Sources blamed Russian warplanes for the raids on the vicinity. Step News Agency reported that “Russian aircraft and helicopters launched several air strikes with rockets and explosive barrels targeting the town of Jisreen”. There were airstrikes were reportedly loaded

Summary

First published
March 11, 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
View Incident

Incident date

August 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS1089

LOCATION

بداما, Bdama, Idlib, Syria

One person died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Bdama, according to local media. Photographic evidence from the Syrian Civil Defence showed the examination of what appears to be a Russian ballistic missile, containing cluster bombs.The director of the Civil Defence in Bdama reported that “the Russian barges struck Alchgrh village with a ballistic missile,

Summary

First published
August 2, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
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
View Incident

Incident date

August 11, 2019

Incident Code

RS4004

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

One civilian was reported killed in airstrikes on Khan Sheikoun, Idlib, on August 11th. Shaam News reported that “Russian and Regime warplanes and helicopters launched airstrikes on the first day of Eid al-Adha, leaving a martyr in Khan Sheikhoun.” The Syrian Human Rights Committee also said that  “three people, including a child, were killed as

Summary

First published
August 11, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
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 belligerents
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Suspected target
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

September 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS1315

LOCATION

حي بستان القصر, Bustan al Qasr (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

According to local sources, one woman was killed in Russian raids on the Bustan al Qasr neighbourhood of Aleppo. HNN’s list of martyrs included, “an unidentified woman, following Russian aggression raids on Bustan al Qasr neighbourhood, civilian.” @RadioAlKul tweeted, “an apartment building in the neighbourhood of Bustan al Qasr was destroyed by Russian air raids

Summary

First published
September 23, 2016
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
View Incident

Incident date

October 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS1413

LOCATION

المواصلات, al Mouwasalat, Aleppo, Syria

Local media reported the death of one civilian woman in the al-Mouwasalat area of Aleppo as a consequence of aerial shelling – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Assad regime caused her death. According to the Shaam News Network, “Russian and Assad’s warplanes continued their air raids on the city of Aleppo and

Summary

First published
October 6, 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
View Incident

Incident date

October 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS1445

LOCATION

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

One civilian, died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Khan al A’ssal, according to local media. The victim was named by the Violations Documentation Center and Halab News, both of which blamed Russia for his death. There are no other details available at this time.

Summary

First published
October 12, 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

December 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS1751

LOCATION

كفر نوران, Kafr Nouran, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

One adult male was killed, and the rest of his family was injured, in an alleged Russian raid which targeted a residential area and a school in Kafr Nouran, Aleppo, according to local media. All sources blamed Russia, which reportedly carried out four raids on the vicinity.  According to a sources, the aerial bombardment caused extensive

Summary

First published
December 6, 2016
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
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 3, 2017

Incident Code

RS2066

LOCATION

حرستا, Harasta, Damascus, Syria

Local media reported the death of one civilian and injury of several more in an alleged Russia or Assad regime airstrike on Harasta. The Smart News Agency reported: “The civil defense said that a civilian was killed and another wounded by two aircraft strikes on the area linking the town of Madara and the city of

Summary

First published
April 3, 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
View Incident