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

April 17, 2018

Incident Code

RS3407

LOCATION

سوق الهال في كفر نبل, Al Haal Market in Kafr Nabil, Raqqa, Syria

Russian forces reportedly fired three missiles on Al Haal Market in Kafr Nabil, killing one man and injuring three others. The casualty was named as Omar Abdul Majid al Elaiwi, from the village of Sahyan, by the Syrian Network for Human Rights. Although local sources predominantly reported Russian involvement, the Civil Defense Center in the

Summary

First published
April 17, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2–3
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

March 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS703

LOCATION

الهلك, Huluk (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

The Violations Documentation Center said one 19-year-old male civilian, Safi Mahmoud Trab, was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike In Hulluk, Aleppo. According to SMP, “activists said that the air force of the Russian occupation launched air strikes on Hulluk neighborhood in Aleppo, in conjunction with clashes between the rebels and ‘democratic Syria’ militia after

Summary

First published
March 2, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
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

March 17, 2016

Incident Code

RS735

LOCATION

محيميدة, Mahimideh, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One child, Hozaifa Hasan al Enaizan, from the village of Tabya Shameih was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Mahimideh, Deir ez-Zour, according to the Violations Documentation Center. Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently reported that he died after the explosion of a cluster bomb left from a previous Russian bombing. Four other sources

Summary

First published
March 17, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
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

May 15, 2016

Incident Code

RS799

LOCATION

السحل, Al Sahal, Raqqa, Syria

Raqqa News 24/24 reported that a “Russian warplane” targeted the home of one of the residents of the village at 02.30am, leading to the man’s immediate death. It also said that the planes targeted the water pump east of Al Mansoura, causing material damage. Muslim Forum also reported the death of the man and said

Summary

First published
May 15, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
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 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS832

LOCATION

التمانعة, At Tamani'ah, Idlib, Syria

According to one local source, LCCSY, one woman was killed and three other non-combatants wounded in several alleged Russian airstrikes on the town of Al Tamani’ah. However, Smart News blamed “regime warplanes” for a woman’s death and the injury of “a number of other civilians”. Qasioun also reported the incident but did not identify the

Summary

First published
June 3, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
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

August 8, 2019

Incident Code

RS3999

LOCATION

لطمين, Latmin, Hama, Syria

One civilian was reported killed in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the town of Latmin, Hama governorate, on August 8th, according to local sources. Syrian Observatory for Human Rights documented “the death of a civilian in Russian airstrikes targeted the vicinity of Latmeen village in the northern countryside of Hama.” @ZaitunAgency reported “the

Summary

First published
August 8, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
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
Suspected target
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

August 14, 2019

Incident Code

RS4033

LOCATION

كفرسجنة, Kafar Sijna, Idlib, Syria

One civilian was reported killed and others injured in airstrikes on Kafar Sijna, Idlib, on August 14th. Edlib Media Center stated that “one person [was] martyred in Kafar Sijna town after warplane raids on the town this morning.” Meanwhile, Syrian Network for Human Rights stated that “Ahmad al Eisa was killed as Syrian regime warplanes

Summary

First published
August 14, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or 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
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS1245

LOCATION

حي السكري, Sukkari (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

One civilian died and in an unspecified number more were wounded in an airstrike on the al Sukkari neighbourhood in Aleppo, according to local media. A number of sources blamed Russia, though others referred only to “warplanes”, while one source, Alburaq, reported that both “Russian and Syrian warplanes killed a civilian”. According to Smart Russia

Summary

First published
September 9, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Healthcare
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 5, 2016

Incident Code

RS1529

LOCATION

بابتو, Babto, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian was killed in an airstrike on a grain storage center and a mill in the village of Babbto in the countryside of western Aleppo, according to sources on the ground. Images posted by Thiqa News and a video posted by AlBouAzezi show the damage to the grain storage structure that ultimately led to

Summary

First published
November 5, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
0–3
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
Geolocation
Village
View Incident

Incident date

November 14, 2016

Incident Code

RS1579

LOCATION

قرية مشمشان , Mishmshan village, Jisr al Shoughour countryside, Idlib, Syria

An 80-year-old woman died and two or three other civilians were wounded in an alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrike on Mishmshan village. Halab Today TV reported: “A Russian raid using cluster bombs and rockets struck the village of Mishmishan in the countryside of Jisr al Shoughour which led to the death of a woman and

Summary

First published
November 14, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2–3
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
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 2, 2017

Incident Code

RS2210

LOCATION

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

A remnant from a cluster bomb, allegedly Russian, killed one man and wounded another civilian when it exploded in Maarat al-Nu’man, Idlib, local media reported. All known sources agreed that the incident was triggered by a cluster bomb remnant from a previous Russian bombardment. Step News reported that the civilian harm was caused “after the

Summary

First published
May 2, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
(0–1 men)
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

April 27, 2017

Incident Code

RS2191

LOCATION

أورم الكبرى, Orme al Kubra, Aleppo, Syria

A civilian was killed in alleged Russian air strikes on the town of Urme Al Kobra in western Aleppo according to local reports. The Smart News Agency reported: “A member of the civil defense team, Mohammed Abu Adel, said that a civilian was killed after Russian raids on the town of Orme al-Kubra (18 km

Summary

First published
April 27, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2–14
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

April 30, 2019

Incident Code

RS3633

LOCATION

الحويجة, Al Hawaija, Hama, Syria

One civilian died and another was injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime air and/or artillery strikes on Al Hawaija, Hama governorate, on April 30th, 2019, according to local media. Most sources blamed regime artillery for the civilian harm but there were also allegations that Russia carried out airstrikes. Local sources reported heavy artillery shelling in

Summary

First published
April 30, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

July 3, 2018

Incident Code

RS3509

LOCATION

أرمناز , Armanaz, Idlib, Syria

Local sources reported that one child was killed, and another injured as a result of the explosion of remnants of a cluster bomb in Armanaz, northwest Idlib on July 3rd, 2018. The munitions are suspected to be the remnants of Russian or Syrian airstrikes. Smart News stated that “local activists said the bomb exploded while

Summary

First published
July 3, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
1
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 20, 2016

Incident Code

RS426

LOCATION

قورقانيا, Qorgania, Idlib, Syria

One woman was killed and dozens more injured in a strike on the village of Qorgania, according to local sources. While the majority of the reports allege that Russia was responsible, another does not identify the culprits, while one source alleges that this was an attack by the Assad regime. Korkania al Hadath said that

Summary

First published
January 20, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
7–24
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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 1, 2016

Incident Code

RS522

LOCATION

كفر زيتة, Kafr Zita, Hama, Syria

One adult male civilian, Qasem Mohammad al-Hasoun, was named by the Violations Documentation Center as having been killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Kafr Zita. The Damascus Center for Human Rights Studies similarly reported the death of Mr al-Hasoun from Russian shelling.  

Summary

First published
February 1, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS554

LOCATION

عندان, Anadan, Aleppo, Syria

One child died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Anadan, according to local sources. Shaam News Network, reported the death of one civilian and the injury of one woman in an alleged Russian airstrike on Anadan, while Shahed Ayyan Halab tweeted that one child died and other civilians were injured in Russian airstrikes. Shahba Press

Summary

First published
February 6, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
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

February 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS586

LOCATION

داعل, Dael, Daraa, Syria

One woman, named as Sawsan Fakhri al Hariri, was killed in an airstrike on Dael, according to local sources – though reports are contested as to whether Russia or the regime were responsible. The Violations Documentation and Syria2011 said the victim was killed in a Russian strike. However, the Syrian Network for Human Rights blamed

Summary

First published
February 9, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
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 30, 2016

Incident Code

RS746

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

Shaam News Network reported that one civilian died and several others were wounded in a Russian strike in Douma: “Two civilians were martyred in Al Marj area in Russian raids and one was martyred and others wounded in Douma.” However, other sources report that this was a regime action. The Syrian Network for Human Rights

Summary

First published
March 30, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
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, US-led Coalition, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

July 4, 2019

Incident Code

RS3869

LOCATION

البارة, Al Bara, Idlib, Syria

A child was killed and others injured, when alleged Russian airstrikes struck the outskirts of Al-Bara. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, “the Russian warplanes carried out raids on places on the outskirts of al-Bara and Kansafra in Jabal al-Zawiyah south of Idlib, which killed a child and injured others”. Local Coordination Committee

Summary

First published
July 4, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
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

May 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS810

LOCATION

كلجبرين‬, Kaljibrin, Aleppo, Syria

A single source, Halab Today TV, reported that one child was killed and two other civilians were injured in an alleged Russian airstrike on Kaljabrin. At 0’21” in the footage an eyewitness, Ayman Al Hindawi says: “On Thursday May 26th, we woke up to noises of clashes in the village which were taking place between

Summary

First published
May 27, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

June 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS843

LOCATION

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

One civilian died and at least one was injured in an air or artillery strike on Bustan al Qasr, according to locals sources – though reports are conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. The Shaam News Network, reported on alleged Russian raids with warplanes and helicopters across Aleppo and its

Summary

First published
June 3, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
1
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 30, 2017

Incident Code

RS2573

LOCATION

Al Shehabat Crossing in Al Hawaij, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A civilian was killed by an airstrike which struck the wells at Al-Shehabat Crossing in Al Hawaij, according to local sources. The sources attributed the airstrike to the Russian side. There were no details of any wounded victims.

Summary

First published
September 30, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 17, 2017

Incident Code

RS2739

LOCATION

السوسة, Al-Sousse, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One male civilian was killed in airstrikes on Al-Sousse, according to local media. Sources all blamed Russian warplanes. An image published shows the victim to be wearing military style dress and carrying a gun suggesting he may be a militant. Despite this, all sources reported he was a civilian. There were no reported injuries.

Summary

First published
November 17, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
(0–1 men)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Rebel Forces
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 5, 2016

Incident Code

RS972

LOCATION

حيان, Hayan, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian died in an airstrike on Hayan, local media said – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. Naser Altamimi tweeted that “Russian and Syrian warplanes hit Hayan”, while the Shaam News Network said that “Russian warplanes and regime helicopters launched intense and violent raids on the towns

Summary

First published
July 5, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
1
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 12, 2019

Incident Code

RS4009

LOCATION

معرة حرمة, Ma’aret Harma, Idlib, Syria

One civilian was reported killed and an unknown number of others were injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Ma’arat Harma, Idlib governorate, on August 12th, 2019, according to local sources. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights documented “the death of a citizen and the injury of several others in a bombing by

Summary

First published
August 12, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(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
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 18, 2019

Incident Code

R3825

LOCATION

الحامدية, Al Hamediya, Idlib, Syria

One named civilian was reported killed and two White Helmet rescuers injured in a reported Russian strike on Al Hamediya in Idlib. According to the Syrian Network, “Russian forces killed a civilian in al Hamediya area in Idlib: Abdul Qader Mahmoud al Asfar was killed as fixed- wing warplanes we believe were Russian fired missiles on

Summary

First published
August 18, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
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 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS1256

LOCATION

عين دارة, Ainjara, Aleppo, Syria

One woman died and several more civilians were injured in alleged Russia airstrikes on Anjara town in western Aleppo, sources on the ground reported. According to Ahmadhamaher, “Russian warplanes targeted Anjara in the western countryside of Aleppo with two raids and missiles. LCCSY added that a woman died and other civilians were wounded in Russian

Summary

First published
September 10, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
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
View Incident

Incident date

October 13, 2016

Incident Code

RS1451

LOCATION

القاطرجي, Al Qaterji (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

One civilian died and several others – reportedly children – were wounded in an alleged Russia or Syrian regime airstrike on Aleppo’s Al Qaterji neighbourhood, according to local media. Sources reported the use of phosphorous missiles and cluster bomb in the attack. Harhoor991 said that “at 4am there was extensive warplane shelling in Aleppo and

Summary

First published
October 13, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
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 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS1563

LOCATION

افتريس, Iftrees, Damascus, Syria

A child was killed and several other civilians wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes on Iftrees, sources on the ground reported. According to @Doumarevolutio1, there was an aerial bombardment which consisted of two raids on the town. All sources point to Russian warplanes. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
November 11, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident