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 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS941

LOCATION

كفر حلب, Kafr Halab, Aleppo, Syria

According to local media, airstrikes hit the town of Kafr Halab leading to the death of one named girl and the injury of three other children. None of the sources held the Syrian regime responsible, but five known sources attributed the strike to Russia. The girl was identified by three sources: LCCSY, Halab News Network and

Summary

First published
June 26, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS1069

LOCATION

بداما, Bdama, Idlib, Syria

Step News Agency, Jisrtv and Syriapost1 reported that one person died and five were wounded after a rocket was fired from a Russian warship toward Bdama, Idlib. According to the Shaam News Network, “Russian warships targeted at night the town of Bdama in the countryside Western Jisr al shoughour in the  Idlib countryside with a

Summary

First published
July 29, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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
View Incident

Incident date

August 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS1085

LOCATION

كفرتخاريم, Kafr Takharim, Idlib, Syria

One woman died in an airstrike on Kafr Tkharim and the surrounding countryside on the August 2nd, according to sources on the ground. Most sources attributed the event to Russia, though one said that barrel bombs had been dropped on the area, meaning that regime involvement can’t be ruled out. LCCSY and Baladi Network both

Summary

First published
August 2, 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
View Incident

Incident date

January 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS1724

LOCATION

حي القاطرجي, Al Qaterji neighbourhood, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

One woman died and a number of other civilians were injured in an airstrike on Aleppo’s Al Qaterji neighbourhood, according to local media. It was unclear whether Russia or the regime were to blame. There were allegations against both parties – and reports that chlorine gas had been dropped from helicopters. According to Anapress, “Russian and

Summary

First published
November 29, 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
View Incident

Incident date

November 8, 2016

Incident Code

RS1543

LOCATION

معرة مصرين , Maarat Misrin, Idlib, Syria

One woman died and several other civilians were wounded in an airstrike on Maarat Misrin, according to sources on the ground – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Assad regime were responsible. Most sources attributed the civilian harm to Russia. However, Zamanalwasl was one of several sources that pointed to the regime, reporting that “in

Summary

First published
November 8, 2016
Last updated
December 19, 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
Geolocation
City
View Incident

Incident date

October 4, 2017

Incident Code

RS2594

LOCATION

دبلان, Dablan, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A girl died and up to four others were injured – including a young girl – following airstrikes on Dablan, local media reported. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, however most blamed Russian warplanes, while others blamed “unknown” warplanes. According to sources, a school was struck as well as residential housing. Dablan

Summary

First published
October 4, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
2–4
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 13, 2017

Incident Code

RS2798

LOCATION

تل الضمان, Tal Al-Daman, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

In airstrikes which reportedly “targeted” a medical centre in Tal Al-Daman, Aleppo, one civilian was killed and others were wounded. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, with most blaming Russia, while a few blamed the Syrian regime. One source didn’t identify the warplanes responsible. Smart News Agency was the only local media

Summary

First published
December 13, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
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

May 2, 2019

Incident Code

RS3645

LOCATION

بسقلا, Bsaqla, Idlib, Syria

One civilian was reported killed and others seriously injured as Bsqala in Idlib was targeted with explosive barrels and naval bombs on May 2nd 2019. According to local source Step News, “Russian and Syrian warplanes and helicopters” operated over villages and towns in Idlib, striking a bakery and a kindergarten in Basaqla and killing one

Summary

First published
May 2, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Naval bombardment
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
2–7
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 20, 2015

Incident Code

RS181

LOCATION

جب القبة, Jib al Qiba (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

According to the Violations Documentation, one adult male civilian (listed as a 25-year-old teacher) was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Jeb el Kibba. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that “Alleged Russian warplanes launched a rocket on residential houses on Joub Al Kibba neighbourhood which killed an individual and injured not less

Summary

First published
November 20, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
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

December 9, 2015

Incident Code

RS246

LOCATION

عندان, Anadan, Aleppo, Syria

A male child, named as nine month old Ahmad Hamze Layla, was killed in an airstrike on Anadan, according to both the Violations Documentation Centre and the Syrian Network for Human Rights. It is unclear whether regime or Russian forces were responsible for the alleged raid. The VDC said the victim was killed by Russian

Summary

First published
December 9, 2015
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
Unknown, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 11, 2018

Incident Code

RS2886

LOCATION

معرة النعمان, Ma'arat Nu'man, Idlib, Syria

An ambulance driver from Salam Hospital was killed, and as many as seven other civilians were injured, including the Minister of Health in the interim government due to alleged Russian and Syrian regime raids on Ma’arat Nu’man, according to local media. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. Most sources blamed Russia, while

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
1–7
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
Named victims
2 named
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

RS3795

LOCATION

خان السبل, Khan Al Sabil, Idlib, Syria

Local sources reported that a child was killed in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Khan Al Sabil, Idlib, on June 13th, 2019. @HalabTodayTV tweeted that according to the Civil Defence, “a civilian was killed and another was wounded, as a result of targeting the outskirts of the town of Khan Al Sabil in Idlib

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
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS502

LOCATION

أعزاز‎, A`zaz, Aleppo, Syria

According to the Shaam News Network, Russian forces targeted the town of Azaz with two ballistic missiles, causing the death of one civilian and injury of several others. Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently published an image of a young man, who came from Raqqa and was said to have died in bombing. The source does not say which day the incident

Summary

First published
January 29, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2
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 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS694

LOCATION

جسر الشغور, Jisr al Shughour, Idlib, Syria

One woman and her unborn child were killed and up to 20 other civilians injured in airstrikes on Jisr al Shughour, according to local sources. Two alleged that Russia was responsible. However a third (the Syrian Network for Human Rights) blames the Assad regime. Shaam News reported that Russian warplanes carried out air raids targeting

Summary

First published
February 28, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
12–20
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
13 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

April 29, 2018

Incident Code

RS3419

LOCATION

معرزيتا ومخيم للنازحين بلقرب منها, Marzita and an IDP camp nearby, Idlib, Syria

Up to two civilians were reported killed and seven others injured in an alleged Russian airstrike or Syrian regime shelling of the Al Walid IDP camp near the town of Marzita in southern Idlib countryside. The rockets came at night, striking a two-room school and many of the inhabited tents, according to Shaam News. Marzita

Summary

First published
April 29, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Artillery
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2–7
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

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

March 11, 2018

Incident Code

RS3230

LOCATION

بنش, Binnesh, Idlib, Syria

An elderly woman was killed and up to three other civilians were injured in airstrikes on Binnesh, local media reported. Most sources attributed the blame to Russia, however, the Violations Documentation Centre blamed the Syrian/Russian alliance. The woman was named as Muna Hamdoun. On March 11th, Halab Today TV said that she died “at noon”

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 woman)
Civilians reported injured
1–3
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 1, 2019

Incident Code

RS3986

LOCATION

لطمين, Latmeen, Hama, Syria

One civilian was reported killed in airstrikes on Latmeen, Hama, on August 1st. Syrian Network for Human Rights stated that “Ahmad Mohammad Abo Zaid, from Helfya city in the northwestern suburbs of Hama governorate, was killed as Syrian regime warplanes fired a missile on Latmeen village in the northern suburbs of Hama governorate, on August

Summary

First published
August 1, 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)
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

October 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS1420

LOCATION

الغسانية, Al Ghassania, Idlib, Syria

Local sources reported that aerial shelling in al-Ghassania, outside Idlib, killed one woman and injured 15 more civilians. While most sources attributed this civilian casualty event to Russia, there were also allegations against the Syrian regime. According to The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, “warplanes shelled  Al-Ghassania village in Idlib and killed a woman and

Summary

First published
October 9, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
15
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS1565

LOCATION

ترملا, Tarmala, Idlib, Syria

In a single source claim, Syrian News Desk reported that Syrian regime and Russian warplanes struck and killed a civilian, wounding two others in the village of Tarmala. According to the source, both warplanes targted Idlib in the same day with more than seven missile strikes including the use of spatial cluster bombs, which led

Summary

First published
November 11, 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 belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

December 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS1750

LOCATION

السحارة, Al Sahara, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian was killed and others were wounded in four alleged raids on Al Sahara, Aleppo. Sources are conflicted as to who was to blame, with some blaming Russian warplanes and others blaming the Syrian regime.  Most sources reported that phosphorous bombs and cluster bombs were used in the attack. Additionally, one source claimed that the

Summary

First published
December 6, 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

December 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS1790

LOCATION

داعل, Dael, Daraa, Syria

An adult male died on the 16th of December 2016, due to wounds sustained on the 12th in an alleged Russian bombing of Dael. One source blames Russian warplanes and the others do not identify the aircraft. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
December 12, 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, Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 9, 2015

Incident Code

RS031

LOCATION

تل عاس, Telaas, Idlib, Syria

A possible civilian was reported killed in an alleged Russian strike at Telaas near Khan Shaykhoun. VDC named one adult male as a non-combatant victim. However, Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported only that “A fighter from a combat force was killed from wounds sustained after Russian planes targeted Brigade 13 in Telaas in southern Idlib

Summary

First published
October 9, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 20, 2015

Incident Code

RS063

LOCATION

الرستن‬, Ar Rastan, Homs, Syria

A number of civilians were reported injured, after a midnight Russian air raid on the headquarters of a local rebel faction based in Ar Rastan. Two fighters were confirmed killed. one of whom was originally reported to have been a non-combatant. According to Sin News, the air raid “resulted in the collapse of the entire

Summary

First published
October 20, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
(2 men)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

May 7, 2019

Incident Code

RS3678

LOCATION

كفرموس, Kafar Mous, Idlib, Syria

Local sources reported that a helicopter bombed the village of Kfar Mous in Jabal Shahshabo with an “explosive barrel” in the evening. The Syrian Civil Defense forces reported that a man was killed and another man, two women and two children were wounded. The Local Coordination Committees of Syria reported “the martyrdom of a man

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
5
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

RS192

LOCATION

سرمدا, Sarmada, Idlib, Syria

According to Zaitonmag, Russian aircraft carried out a raid on Sarmada on the Turkish border, “targeting a garage of relief trucks which has led to anonymous martyrs and two people slightly injured.“ The Syrian Network also reported the event, saying the attack by warplanes destroyed eight trucks and a water tank and killed one person.

Summary

First published
November 26, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

February 6, 2018

Incident Code

RS2982

LOCATION

آفس, Afis, Idlib, Syria

According to local sources, a child was killed in Afis, Idlib, as alleged Russain warplanes struck the town. Step News Agency reported that “the Russian military launched successive raids” mentioning several locations, including Afis, and that it caused the death of one child. Unlike other sources, Step News Agency, wrote on February 6th that the

Summary

First published
February 6, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
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
View Incident

Incident date

February 6, 2018

Incident Code

RS2993

LOCATION

حرستا, Harasta, Damascus, Syria

One civilian, allegedly a child, was killed by an Assad or Russian waged assault in the town of Harasta, eastern Ghouta, Damascus, local media reported. According to local reports, the incident in Harasta was one out of many that day in eastern Ghouta. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), this was the

Summary

First published
February 6, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
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