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

February 7, 2016

Incident Code

RS560

LOCATION

حريتان, Hraytan, Aleppo, Syria

One child, named by the Violations Documentation Center as Hasan Nasser,  was killed in an airstrike on Hraytan according to local sources – though reports are conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that “places in Qabr al-Englizi area (tomb of the

Summary

First published
February 7, 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

February 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS624

LOCATION

الغنطو, Al Ghantu, Homs, Syria

One male child, was killed in Al Ghantu, according to local sources. However reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the regime were to blame, and most pointed towards Assad artillery. Only the Violations Documentation Center attributed the incident to Russia. Homs Media Center named the victim, though didn’t say who was responsible. Koooookeh11 tweeted:

Summary

First published
February 16, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 22, 2016

Incident Code

RS656

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

According to the Violations Documentation Center one adult male, was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Douma. The VDC linked to a video by the media activist Yasser al Fawal al Doumani which includes a voiceover saying that the victim was killed by Russian warplanes. Abobian said there had been three raids by warplanes, but

Summary

First published
February 22, 2016
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 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS752

LOCATION

الراشدية, Rashidiya (Deir ez-Zor), Deir Ezzor, Syria

Two sources named Anas Al-Kujeijeh as killed in an alleged Russian or regime airstrike in Deir Ezzour. A tweet by Deirfree blamed Russia for the raids and spoke of several wounded. However, SPC News reported that “regime forces bombed Al Huweiqa neighbourhood in the countryside of Deir al-Zour with rocket launchers which led to the death of “Anas Al Kajijah”

Summary

First published
April 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, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS816

LOCATION

‏الكبر‬, Al Kiber, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A civilian male named as Sahir Attallah al Ayyad died from injuries sustained in a reported Russian airstrike on al Kiber “two months earlier.” No additional details are presently known, including the precise date of death.    

Summary

First published
May 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 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS946

LOCATION

أورم الكبرى, Urma al Kubra, Aleppo, Syria

Local media reported that an alleged Russian strike on an aid store house in Urma al-Kubra killed one woman and wounded up to 12 other civilians. According to sources on the ground, the targeted building belonged the aid organisation “Big Heart”. Step News Agency said that “one of the refineries and a fuel oil plant

Summary

First published
June 27, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
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
View Incident

Incident date

August 16, 2017

Incident Code

CS1379 RS2390

LOCATION

زباري, Al Zabari, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One civilian male was killed in an airstrike on Al-Zabari, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether the Coalition, the Syrian regime or Russia was to blame for the raids. There were no reports of wounded civilians. Sharqya Voice, Saud Sbekhan and Alarby blamed the Coalition. But according to the

Summary

First published
August 16, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 18, 2017

Incident Code

RS2763

LOCATION

الباغوز, Baghouz, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A child died from his wounds following a shrapnel injury from a Russian air and artillery strike, local media reported. Sources blamed both Russian and Syrian regime raids. It is unclear which date the original strike occurred. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
November 18, 2017
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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 11, 2019

Incident Code

RS4003

LOCATION

حاس, Hass, Idlib, Syria

One child was reported killed, and up to five including two children were injured in an alleged Russian or Syrian airstrike or artillery shelling on Hass, Idlib in the afternoon of August 11th, which was the first day of Eid Al-Adha. The Syrian Network for Human Rights named the child as Mohammad Thaer Qal`aji. Macro

Summary

First published
August 11, 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 child)
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
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 1, 2016

Incident Code

RS1380

LOCATION

كفر حمرة, Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, Syria

Local sources reported that the village Kafr Hamra outside of Aleppo was struck by “four” alleged airstrikes which led to the death of one man. According to NabdTV “the Civil defence forces recovered the body of a senior citizen from the rubble which was stuck there for two days”. A range of local media also

Summary

First published
October 1, 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

October 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS1510

LOCATION

Abeen Sama'an, Aleppo, Syria

One child died and several other civilians were wounded in an alleged Russia or Syrian  regime strike on Abeen Sama’an, according to sources on the ground. According to the Shaam News Network,”in the evening [of Oct 28th] Russian and Assad enemy planes launched air strikes targeting Aleppo neighborhoods, cities and towns in the western and

Summary

First published
October 28, 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

November 11, 2016

Incident Code

R1564

LOCATION

مخيم الجميلية, Al Jamilia camp, Idlib, Syria

One woman was killed and two others were injured by an alleged bombardment by either an unidentified warplane or an unmanned drone, in a targeted attack on a camp for displaced peoples in Idlib. Sources have not identified the warplane as Russian, however, due to alleged Russian activity in the vicinity at this time, Airwars

Summary

First published
November 11, 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 belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

November 18, 2016

Incident Code

RS1630

LOCATION

حي باب النيرب , Bab al Nairab neighbourhood, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian died in an alleged Russian or regime air or artillery strikes on Aleppo’s Bab Al Nairab neighbourhood, according to local media. Sources said that both al electricity station and a civil defense center had been struck – though didn’t mention any civilian harm in these particular strikes. According to the Syrian Network for Human

Summary

First published
November 18, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

January 8, 2017

Incident Code

RS1817

LOCATION

الحابوسة, Al Haboussah, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian was killed in an alleged aerial bombardment of Al Haboussah, Aleppo. Sources either blamed Russian warplanes for the raid, or did not attribute any blame.  Despite the Violations Documentation Centre listing the victim as an adult male, an image of a child was published alongside a Facebook status, naming the victim. We are therefore

Summary

First published
January 8, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(0–1 children0–1 men)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
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

April 22, 2017

Incident Code

RS2157

LOCATION

اللطامنة, Lataminah, Hama, Syria

A father was killed and his children were injured on an airstrike which struck their home in Lataminah, according to local media. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, with some blaming the Syrian regime, others blaming Russia. The Syrian Network for Human Rights  blamed the “Syrian-Russian alliance”. Civil Defence Hama initially reported that

Summary

First published
April 22, 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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 2, 2017

Incident Code

RS2584

LOCATION

الميادين, al-Mayadeen, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Alleged Russian and/or Syrian-waged airstrikes possibly killed one man and wounded several other civilians, including a child and a woman, in al-Mayadeen, according to sources on the ground. Enab Baladi reported that more than 30 raids had hit al-Mayadeen, and many other sources put the figure at 20 air raids and more. DPN reported that “Russian

Summary

First published
October 2, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 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

October 24, 2017

Incident Code

RS2657

LOCATION

بياعية الدناش, Baya'eyat Al-Danash, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

One child was killed, and between one and five other civilians were injured, following airstrikes on Baya’eyat Al-Danash, Aleppo, local media reported. Sources all blamed Russian warplanes for the strikes, however one local source did not attribute blame to any belligerent. Initial reporting suggested that two women were injured and a child was killed. But

Summary

First published
October 24, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
1–5
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

December 6, 2017

Incident Code

RS2785

LOCATION

السيال, Al-Sayyal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One man was killed and between eight and nine civilians were injured in airstrikes on Al-Sayyal river crossing, according to local media. All sources attributed blame to Moscow. @asharqasouri reported that Dr. Sayed Ahmed Kadouri was injured in the bombing and was transferred to a hospital where he received medial attention. Qasioun News gave the

Summary

First published
December 6, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
1–8
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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 5, 2015

Incident Code

RS121

LOCATION

البوليل, Al Buliyal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

The Violations Documentation Center reported that one named civilian male was killed, allegedly due to “Russian airforce shelling“. VDC named the victim as Soeoud al-Thamer. No additional information is presently known.  

Summary

First published
November 5, 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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 10, 2019

Incident Code

RS3690

LOCATION

كفرزيتا, Kafar Zeita, Hama, Syria

One civilian died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Kafar Zeita, multiple local sources reported. According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, “Loay Barazi was killed as fixed- wing warplanes we believe were Russian fired missiles on Kafr Zita city in Hama governorate northern suburbs, on May 10th.”

Summary

First published
May 10, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
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
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 10, 2018

Incident Code

RS2880

LOCATION

كفرسجنة, Kafr Sajneh, Hama, Syria

A child, Ayman Abdelkader El Sayed, died from his wounds “a few days” after an alleged Russian airstrike on Kafr Sajneh, local media reported. Both sources blamed Russia. Only two sources reported on the child’s death. One of them described the raid as a Russian “missile attack”. There were no reports of wounded and no

Summary

First published
January 10, 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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 9, 2015

Incident Code

RS251

LOCATION

كفر زيتة, Kafr Zita, Hama, Syria

One adult male civilian, Mohammad Ahmad al-Alayan, was reported killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Kafr Zita, according to the Union of Hama Rebels and the Violations Documentation Centre. Reporting remains confused, with multiple alleged Russian airstrikes on Kafr Zita between December 9th and 12th which resulted in a likely total of six civilian deaths.

Summary

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

Incident date

May 24, 2019

Incident Code

RS3709

LOCATION

كفرنبل, Kafr Nubul, Idlib, Syria

Residential neighbourhoods of Kafr Nabil were subject to a number of airstrikes on May 24th, leading to the death of one child, named Ahmad Mahmoud Salah al-Satam, according to local media. With a number of sources referring to “others wounded”, Smart News claimed that the rest of Ahmad’s family were hospitalised as a result of

Summary

First published
May 24, 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
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

June 8, 2019

Incident Code

RS3775

LOCATION

معرة النعمان, Ma’aret Al Nu’man, Idlib, Syria

A child was killed and up to three women were wounded in alleged Russian or Syrian regime air and/or artillery strikes on civilian homes in the outskirts of Ma’arat Al Nu’man, Idlib governorate, on June 8th, 2019, according to local sources. @SyriaCivilDefe reported “the death of a child and the wounding of three women as a

Summary

First published
June 8, 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 child)
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
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 12, 2018

Incident Code

RS3404

LOCATION

تل هواش الحميرات, Tal Hwash and Al Hmairat, Hama, Syria

A man was killed and at least four injured as Russian forces reportedly attacked the villages of Tal Hwash and Al Hmairat in central Syria. Basel Mohammad Suleiman al Ali, age 22, was named as the victim by the Syrian Network for Human Rights. The wounded totalled six, according to Fidaa news, including three women,

Summary

First published
April 12, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
4–6
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 belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS828

LOCATION

أريحا, Ariha, Idlib, Syria

One woman died and between two and eight other civilians were injured in  airstrikes on Ariha, according to local sources. While most sources said that Russia was responsible, LCCSY blamed the Assad regime. The Shaam News Network reported that one woman was killed and two other civilians injured in Russian strikes on Ariha. Other sources,

Summary

First published
June 2, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2–8
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, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS989

LOCATION

خان الشيح‬, Khan al Sheikh, Damascus, Syria

One young man died in an airstrike on Khan al Sheikh, western Ghouta, according to local media – though reports were split on whether Russia or the Syrian regime carried out the strike. LCCSY named the victim and blamed Russia. The Smart News Agency also said that Russia warplanes “killed a civilian and wounded more

Summary

First published
July 11, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
5–10
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

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

August 18, 2019

Incident Code

RS4046

LOCATION

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

One civilian was reported killed and two members of Syrian Civil Defense injured in the second of two consecutive alleged Russian airstrikes on Ma’arat Al Nu’man, Idlib, on August 18th, 2019. Shaam News reported that, following a previous airstrike, “when civil defense teams arrived at the site to evacuate the wounded, Russian warplanes repeated its

Summary

First published
August 18, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
2 named
View Incident