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 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS474

LOCATION

حي الصناعة السكني, Muheet Al Sina'aa (Deir ez-Zor), Deir Ezzor, Syria

According to Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently and the Violations Documentation Center, one man was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on the industrial area in the city of Deir ez-Zor.  

Summary

First published
January 27, 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

June 16, 2019

Incident Code

RS3812

LOCATION

كرسعة, Karsa’a, Idlib, Syria

One civilian was reported killed, and “others wounded”, in airstrikes on Karsa’a, Idlib, on June 16th. Syrian network for Human Rights names Ahmad Adnan al Ali as the victim of the attack. Three sources attributed the attack to the Syrian regime, while Shaam News referred to both Russia and the Syrian regime in reporting the incident.

Summary

First published
June 16, 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
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

January 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS506

LOCATION

الحسينية, Hussainiya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One woman was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Hussainiya, according to Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently and others.  

Summary

First published
January 29, 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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 20, 2019

Incident Code

RS3829

LOCATION

معرة مصرين, Ma’aret Misrin, Idlib, Syria

One civilian was reported killed and two others injured in an airstrike on Ma’aret Misrin, Idlib, on June 20th. Syria Civil Defense reported that “the town of Ma’ra Misrin, in the countryside of Idlib, was targeted by missiles from the military aircraft of the regime forces, which led to the martyrdom of a man and

Summary

First published
June 20, 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
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
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 13, 2016

Incident Code

RS602

LOCATION

صيدا, Saida, Daraa, Syria

According to the Violations Documentation Center, one adult male civilian was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Saida. The victim was also named by We All Horan, which blamed Russia. According to Qasioun, one civilian died and dozens more were injured in Russian strikes on the town.

Summary

First published
February 13, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
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 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS698

LOCATION

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

One male civilian died when an alleged Russian airstrike targeted the Homs road in Deir ez-Zor, according to the Violations Documentation Centre and Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently. LCCSY reported that “Amir Ismaeil al-Harbek from Deir Ezzour city was martyred as Russian warplanes launched an airstrike on a vehicle carrying workers going to an

Summary

First published
February 29, 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

June 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS891

LOCATION

كلجبرين‬, Kaljibrin, Aleppo, Syria

One child died and other civilians were injured in an airstrike on Kaljibrin, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Syrian regime. However, according to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, the regime was responsible. They didn’t list any fatalities, but they

Summary

First published
June 11, 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, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 20, 2016

Incident Code

RS923

LOCATION

‏كفر بسين‬, Kafr Bisin, Aleppo, Syria

One woman died and several other civilians were injured in an alleged Russian airstrike on Kafr Basin in Aleppo, according to local media. A Tweet by thiqanewsagency said that “rocket chemistry and phosphorous bombs” were used in the attack. HalabTodayTV also tweeted that stereochemistry had been used – it specified that these missiles were realised from Russian warplanes.

Summary

First published
June 20, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 24, 2018

Incident Code

RS3101

LOCATION

الافتريس, al-Aftirs, Damascus, Syria

One civilian was reportedly killed in al-Aftaris, eastern Ghouta, Damascus, as Russia and the Syrien regime continued its aerial shelling of eastern Ghouta. In this event, only Step News Agency reported that the shelling resulted in civilian harm, putting the death toll at one. The other source, Oday Hussein, merely pointed to aerial shelling of the

Summary

First published
February 24, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

February 26, 2018

Incident Code

RS3121

LOCATION

اوتايا, Otaya, Damascus, Syria

One child was killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Otaya, local media reported. All sources attributed the blame to Russian warplanes. Members of the Syrian Civil Defence were seen to be rescuing victims from the rubble. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
February 26, 2018
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 23, 2019

Incident Code

RS3940

LOCATION

معرة النعمان, Ma`arat Al Nu`man, Idlib, Syria

One civilian was reported killed and up to six others injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on a residential neighborhood including a market in Ma`arat Al Nu`man. Orient News also said that a child went missing as a result of the attack. The Syrian Human Rights Committee named the victim as Ahmad Al-Nassan. 

Summary

First published
July 23, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
5–6
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 6, 2016

Incident Code

CS329

LOCATION

جسر السياسية, Al Siassah Bridge [exact location], Deir Ezzor, Syria

On Thursday, October 6, 2016, one civilian was killed and several others were injured when warplanes bombed Al-Siassah bridge over the Euphrates river in Deir Ez-Zawr, in eastern Syria. Reports cited both Coalition and Russian forces, although CENTCOM reported the destruction of two supply routes in Deir Ezzor for October 5th-6th. Sham News Network reported

Summary

First published
October 6, 2016
Last updated
June 27, 2024
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
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 1, 2019

Incident Code

RS3985

LOCATION

اللطامنة, Al-Latamina, Hama, Syria

One civilian was reported killed and others injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes or artillery strikes on Al-Latamina, Hama, on August 1st, 2019. Some local sources said that barrel bombs were used in the attack. @civil_hama tweeted “the targeting of the civil defense team in the city of Al-Latamina with an airstrike by

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)
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

August 27, 2019

Incident Code

RS4081

LOCATION

كفر نبل,, Kafar Nabil, Idlib, Syria

One civilian died and “many” more were wounded in an alleged Russian or regime airstrike on Kafar Nabil on August 27, 2019, local media reported. @Abuhuzaifa_  tweeted an image with the caption: “A 90-year-old father takes the last glimpses of his remaining child, who was martyred by shrapnel from the shelling of the Russian occupation.” According

Summary

First published
August 27, 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
2–5
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
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

January 7, 2017

Incident Code

RS1816

LOCATION

رسم العبد, Hama, Syria

It was reported by a single source that one adult male died following alleged Russian shelling. It does not specifically say where he was killed, however, it does report that he was from in Rasem al Abd in Hama. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
January 7, 2017
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 23, 2017

Incident Code

RS1919

LOCATION

جبل البلعاس, Al-Bila'as mountain, Hama, Syria

A single source reported the death of one civilian and the injury of others as a result of alleged Russian airstrike on Al-Bila’as mountain. It was reported that the aerial bombardment was concentrated on the area around al Bila’as Mountains near Akeirbat in Hama, central Syria. Allegedly Russian warplanes struck a camp for displaced people

Summary

First published
February 23, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2–4
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

July 9, 2017

Incident Code

RS2329

LOCATION

موحسن, Mohsen, Deir Ezzor, Syria

In this single-source event, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that “Russian or regime warplanes” carried out airstrikes in Mohsen on July 9th, killing a woman and wounding “others”. Currently, there are no further details available.

Summary

First published
July 9, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
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 10, 2017

Incident Code

RS2792

LOCATION

برج سبنة, the villages of Burj Sabna and Abu Tina, Aleppo, Syria

A civilian was killed, and four others were wounded, in a series of ten airstrikes on Burj Sabna, Aleppo, local media reported. All sources attributed blame to Moscow. Surface rockets and cluster bombs were reportedly used in the raids, which were a renewed attack from previous weeks. According to Step News, the “villages of Burj

Summary

First published
December 10, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
4
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

September 12, 2017

Incident Code

RS2432

LOCATION

قرية الجيعة, Al-Jaya'a, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Al-Jaya’a village in Deir Ezzor Governorate was hit by air strikes on September 12th 2017, reportedly killing one girl and injuring five civilians from the same family.  Multiple sources accused the Russian forces of carrying out these strikes. No further information was provided as to the identity of the girl killed or the members of

Summary

First published
September 12, 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

January 2, 2018

Incident Code

RS2837

LOCATION

سراقب, Saraqeb, Idlib, Syria

A bakery was hit with alleged Russian warplanes, causing the death of one civilian and the injury of another in Saraqeb. Most sources reported that Russian warplanes were to blame for the raids. DCHRS however reported that a civilian was “was shot by unknown source”. The bakery was reportedly rendered out of use, and there

Summary

First published
January 2, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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, Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 22, 2015

Incident Code

RS067

LOCATION

غرناطة, Gharnata, Homs, Syria

A single source, the Syrian Observatory, reported a man dying from injuries sustained earlier in the day following an alleged Russian airstrike on Gharnata. No other details are presently available.  

Summary

First published
October 22, 2015
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
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

November 8, 2015

Incident Code

RS131

LOCATION

أم صحريج, Umm Sahrij, Hama, Syria

One female non-combatant was reported killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on a mosque in Umm Sahrij, according to the Coordination of Syrian Revolution in Eastern Hama, and The Union of Hama Revolutionaries [links presently disabled.] All4Syria also reported that “The village of Umm Sahreej in the eastern Hama countryside suffered a Russian airstrike which

Summary

First published
November 8, 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
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

November 17, 2015

Incident Code

RS163

LOCATION

حيان, Hayyan, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian factory worker was killed and two injured in an alleged Russian missile strike on the Atlas Factory for cotton in Hayyan, according to the Syrian Network for Human Rights and the Violations Documentation Centre. The VDC published an image (right) of the unnamed victim. In a separate report, it has also listed 35-year old from

Summary

First published
November 17, 2015
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 1, 2018

Incident Code

RS3386

LOCATION

قرية جوزيف, Joseph Village, Idlib, Syria

A woman was killed and several other civilians were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on the town of Joseph in the Idlib countryside, local sources reported. A high-explosive missile hit the outskirts of the town wounding the woman. She was rushed to hospital by civil defense teams but died upon arrival. Several civilians were

Summary

First published
April 1, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
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
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 18, 2018

Incident Code

RS2911

LOCATION

سراقب, Saraqeb, Idlib, Syria

A baby was “burned” to death and as many as 12 others civilians were injured, in alleged napalm bomb strikes which hit the residential neighbourhood of Saraqeb, according to local media. All sources attributed Moscow to blame for the strikes. Sources reported that “dozens of strikes” struck “blood bank”, also known as medical facilities. The

Summary

First published
January 18, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
2–12
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

RS3759

LOCATION

النقير, Al Naqir, Idlib, Syria

One civilian was reportedly killed in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Al Naqir on June 4th, 2019, according to local sources. Shaam News Network reported one civilian death as the result of Russian and Syrian airstrikes on Al Naqir.@EdlibNN identified the victim as 51-year-old Trad Rizk Al Jumah, but other sources reported the man

Summary

First published
June 4, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 4, 2016

Incident Code

RS549

LOCATION

مَعَرَّة النُّعْمَان, Maarat al Numan, Idlib, Syria

In a news roundup, the Shaam News Network reported deaths in Maarat al Numan, which it attributed to Russian warplanes: “Since early morning, the Russian enemy planes circled the skies of the province and launched air raids on civilian homes in the towns of Maaret al-Numan and Khan Sheikhun and Kafrtkharim and the outskirts of

Summary

First published
February 4, 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

February 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS581

LOCATION

ﺣﻠﺐ, Aleppo, Syria

The Violations Documentation Center named one civilian Abo Shukri as a victim – but no details were given about where he was killed, and the name is not precise. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that Namer al-Shukri was killed in alleged Russian raids. However it said he was “the military commander of Aleppo

Summary

First published
February 9, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 17, 2018

Incident Code

RS3434

LOCATION

تل صندل, Tal Sandel, Idlib, Syria

A civilian was killed and four others, including women, were wounded as a result of airstrikes on the village of Tal Sandal, Idlib governorate, according to local sources. These blamed both Russian warplanes and the Syrian regime. Orient News reported that “a civilian was killed and four others, including women, were injured on Thursday evening [May

Summary

First published
May 17, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
4
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Unknown
View Incident