Russian Military in Syria

A Russian combat aircraft at Khmeimim airbase in Syria being prepared for action. (Russian Ministry of Defence)

Belligerent
Russian Military
Country
Syria
start date
end date
Civilian Harm Status
Belligerent Assessment
Declassified Documents
Infrastructure

Incident date

September 4, 2016

Incident Code

RS1221

LOCATION

الأنصاري, Al Ansari (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Two or three civilians died and 10 more were wounded in shelling of Aleppo’s Al Ansari neighbourhood, local media reported – though it is unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. According to Ara, Russia carried out an airstrike killing three civilians and wounding more than 10 others. Halab News also pointed to

Summary

First published
September 4, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
Civilians reported injured
2–10
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
View Incident

Incident date

September 4, 2016

Incident Code

RS1222

LOCATION

مَعَرَّة النُّعْمَان, Maarat al Numan, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians – a man and his daughter – died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Maarat al Numan, according to local media. Accordingly to LCCSY, the victims died following sustaining injuries in a Russian strike. Both Almuhajer and Abdulkaderhep tweeted graphic images of the victims receiving treatment in a medical facility. Step News Agency, SyriaMubasher,

Summary

First published
September 4, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 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
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 4, 2016

Incident Code

RS1223

LOCATION

داعل, Dael, Daraa, Syria

One named civilian died in an airstrike on Da’el, according to local sources – though it was unclear whether the death was caused by a Russia or Syrian regime airstrike or by regime artillery. Sources reported that both Russian and regime aircraft were operating in the area. Akhbar Alan blamed a regime airstrike while SyrianMubasher

Summary

First published
September 4, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 5
(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

September 4, 2016

Incident Code

RS1217

LOCATION

سرمين, Sarmin, Idlib, Syria

One civilian died and several others were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike with cluster bombs on Sarmin in Idlib governorate, according to local media. Alamawi, Rozana FM, Derynews, LCCSY and the Syrian Network for Human Rights all attributed the event to Russia, with many sources reporting the use of cluster bombs.

Summary

First published
September 4, 2016
Last updated
January 10, 2023
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 belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
Geolocation
City
View Incident

Incident date

September 4, 2016

Incident Code

RS1218

LOCATION

كفر ناها, Kafr Naha, Aleppo, Syria

Three civilians including one child died and up to seven more were wounded in an airstrike on Kafr Naha, according to local media – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. Anapress Smart, Syrian Press Centre and Halab Today all blamed Russia. However, Step News and the Syrian Network

Summary

First published
September 4, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
4–7
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
View Incident

Incident date

September 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS1214

LOCATION

فيلون, Filon, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians died and several others were wounded in an airstrike on Filon in Idlib governorate, according to sources on the ground – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. Both Halab Today and LCCSY attributed the event to Russia. However, Assabeel blamed the regime. Syrian News

Summary

First published
September 3, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
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

September 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS1215

LOCATION

إدلب, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians died and several more were wounded in an airstrike on Idlib city, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, Radio Alkul and the Syrian Network for Human Rights blamed the regime, putting the death toll

Summary

First published
September 3, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
2
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

September 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS1216

LOCATION

خان السبل, Khan al Subbul, Idlib, Syria

Up to five civilians died and as many as 20 were wounded in airstrike on Khan Al-Subbul in Idlib governorate, according to sources on the ground – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Syrian regime. In one report, LCCSY blamed the regime but then appeared to

Summary

First published
September 3, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 5
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
Unknown, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

September 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS1212

LOCATION

طياني, Al Tayanneh, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Five or six civilians including up to four children and three women died and at least a dozen more were wounded in airstrikes on Al Tayaneh, according to local media. The majority of sources attributed the event to Russia, though two blamed the Syrian regime and others didn’t apportion blame. DeirEzzorradio, Abdulrahmanhajj and Derynews blamed

Summary

First published
September 2, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 6
(3–4 children2–3 women)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
5 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS1213

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

Up to four civilians including at least one woman and her child died in an airstrike on Douma, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Syrian regime. The majority of sources, including Qasioun, the Smart News Network, the Syrian Press Centre and

Summary

First published
September 2, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(1–2 children1–2 women1 man)
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
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 1, 2016

Incident Code

RS1208

LOCATION

Mouhimidah, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between seven and 10 civilians including five children died in airstrikes on Muhimidah in Deir Ezzor, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. The majority of sources, including Alamawi, Mohamaed202054, Alsharqia24 and Euphrates Post, blamed Russia, with death counts varying between seven

Summary

First published
September 1, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 10
(5 children)
Civilians reported injured
10–20
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
5 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 1, 2016

Incident Code

RS1209

LOCATION

Hussaynah, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between two and ten civilians including a woman and her child died in an alleged Russian airstrikes on Al Hussaynah, according to local media. Alamawi, Euphrates Post, Mkmoam123, Alnaba and Alsharqia24 all blamed Russia. Euphrates Post put the death toll as high as 10.

Summary

First published
September 1, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 10
(1 child1 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
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 1, 2016

Incident Code

RS1210

LOCATION

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

The Violations Documentation Centre named one child killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Deir Ezzor. Euphrates Post also named the child and blamed Russia for his death. A number of other sources didn’t identify the “warplanes” responsible.

Summary

First published
September 1, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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

September 1, 2016

Incident Code

RS1211

LOCATION

Al Ghia, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between three and 16 civilians died and up to 20 were wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes on Al-Giah, according to local media. Halabnews, Islammemo_cc, Wesal_TV, Alnateq1, Zaman Masdar, Alnaba, Eldorar and HNN all attributed the event to Russia, putting the death toll at either 15 or 16 civilians. Euphrates Post, also blaming Russia, said that

Summary

First published
September 1, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 16
(2 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
20
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 1, 2016

Incident Code

RS1204

LOCATION

حريتان, Hraytan, Aleppo, Syria

Two possible civilians died in airstrikes on Hraytan, according to local media, though it was unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible for the deaths. Halabtoday, Syr_Rev_News and Alamawi, the Violations Documentation Center and HNN blamed Russia. Smart added that eight non-combatants were also wounded. However, according to Alaraby the regime was to

Summary

First published
September 1, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
(0–2 men)
Civilians reported injured
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
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 1, 2016

Incident Code

RS1205

LOCATION

الزعفرانة, Zafarana, Homs, Syria

Up to four civilians including a child and one woman died in airstrikes on Zafarana, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible for the attacks. The majority of sources, including Yaarabaladeli9, Step News Agency, Alghad Alsoury, and NabdSyria, blamed Russia. Baladi, also blaming

Summary

First published
September 1, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
(1 child1 woman2 men)
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
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 1, 2016

Incident Code

RS1206

LOCATION

Maysar, Aleppo, Syria

Three or four civilians died in an airstrike or artillery shelling of Maysar, according to sources on the ground. All but one source blamed regime artillery for the event. LCCSY reported one civilian died and others were wounded in Russian airstrikes.

Summary

First published
September 1, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(3 men)
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
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 1, 2016

Incident Code

RS1207

LOCATION

Souran, Hama, Syria

Up to 30 civilians including 11 children died in airstrikies on Souran, Al-Lataminah, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Syrian regime. According to Roiraqro and Wesal_TV 10 people from the same family died when their car was hit by a strike.

Summary

First published
September 1, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 30
(11 children2 women1 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

August 31, 2016

Incident Code

RS1201

LOCATION

إدلب, Idlib, Syria

Up to three civilians including a child and a woman died and as many as 19 others were injured in strikes on Idlib, local media reported – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Assad regime were to blame. One source reported the use of regime warships in the attacks, while several

Summary

First published
August 31, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(1 child1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
10–19
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 31, 2016

Incident Code

RS1202

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Shaykhun, Idlib, Syria

One child, named as 15-year-old child died and up to nine others were wounded in an airstrike on Khan Sheikhoun, local media reported. However, it was unclear who was responsible: most sources didn’t apportion blame – though others pointed to Russia and the Assad regime. According to @SyrianArwad, “Russian and Syrian warplanes launched air raids

Summary

First published
August 31, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
2–9
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 31, 2016

Incident Code

RS1203

LOCATION

الباب, Serbs, Al-Bab, Aleppo, Syria

Two children died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Serbs, Al Bab, local sources reported. According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, “two children died when alleged Russian warplanes missiles fired on Sarbas village related to Al Bab area in Aleppo governorate, August 31.” Halab Today and @ALAMAWI also pointed to Russia. The Violations

Summary

First published
August 31, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
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
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 30, 2016

Incident Code

RS1199

LOCATION

حي الصالحين, Salheen (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Between two and five civilians including between one and two children and a woman were killed and as many as dozens more were wounded in airstrikes on Salheen, local media reported – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russian warplanes or explosive barrels dropped from Assad regime helicopters caused the casualties. The lowest death

Summary

First published
August 30, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 5
(1–2 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

August 30, 2016

Incident Code

RS1200

LOCATION

معرة مصرين, Maarat Masreen, Idlib, Syria

Between four and 10 civilians died and up to 35 more were wounded in airstrikes on a popular vegetable market in Maaret Masreen, local media reported – though sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. However, most sources agreed that cluster bombs had been used in

Summary

First published
August 30, 2016
Last updated
January 10, 2023
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 10
Civilians reported injured
20–35
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
Geolocation
Exact location (via Airwars)
View Incident

Incident date

August 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS1198

LOCATION

أورم الصغرى, Orm al Sughra, Aleppo, Syria

According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, “at least 3 victims died in alleged Russian warplanes missiles fired on Orm Al Sughra town in Aleppo governorate, August 29.” AMC, Alwatan, @SyriaFnn and @Syria_Pulse reported that three civilians died and several more were wounded in “four strikes with cluster bombs”, but didn’t identify the culprit.

Summary

First published
August 29, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
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

August 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS1197

LOCATION

معارة النعسان, Maarat al-Naasan, Idlib, Syria

Nine civilians died and several more were wounded in alleged Russia or Assad regime airstrikes on fuel markets in Maarat al Naasan, according to local media. According to Zaitonmag, “Russian warplanes launched air strikes on residential neighborhoods in the town of Maarat Al-Nassan. Four raids, phosphorous bombs and cluster munitions targeted fuel markets in the

Summary

First published
August 28, 2016
Last updated
December 6, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9
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
Geolocation
Town
View Incident

Incident date

August 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS1194

LOCATION

دارة عزة, Daret Izza, Aleppo, Syria

Up to five civilians died and eight others were wounded in airstrike son Daret Izza, according to local media – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. The Smart News Agency reported that “Russian warplanes launched two air missiles on a residential area in the town of Darat Izza morning,

Summary

First published
August 27, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 5
(2–3 men)
Civilians reported injured
3–8
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
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS1195

LOCATION

صلخ, Salakh, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians including a child died and as many as dozens more were wounded in an airstrike on Taftanaz, according to local media. The majority of sources blamed Russia, though the Syrian Network for Human Rights’ attributed the event to “government warplanes and its allies”. Alsharq also blamed the regime. @SyrianArwad , @SyrianFnn, @ShahbaPress, @EdlibEMC

Summary

First published
August 27, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 man)
Civilians reported injured
10–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

August 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS1196

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Tabqaqa, Raqqa, Syria

Up to three civilians died and 30 more were injured in alleged Russian airstrike on Al Tabqaqa, local media reported. According to Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently – who later blamed Russia – “three people died and more than 30 were injured raids by warplanes on a carpet factory in the city of Tabaqa”. The

Summary

First published
August 27, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
Civilians reported injured
30
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 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS1193 CS302

LOCATION

الادخار, Raqqa: Al Idkhar, Raqqa, Syria

Between five and nine civilians including one child died and up to 20 more were wounded in airstrikes on Al Idkhar neighbourhood of Raqqa, according to sources on the ground – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia, the Assad regime of the US-led Coalition was responsible. Several reports said that strikes occurred near

Summary

First published
August 26, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 9
(1 child2 men)
Civilians reported injured
20
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, US-led Coalition, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS1190

LOCATION

حيان, Hayyan, Aleppo, Syria

Between four and eight civilians including a child died and as many as dozens more were wounded in airstrikes on the town of Haian, local media reported. The majority of sources attributed the event to Russia, though one also mentioned the Assad regime was involved. The highest death count (eight non-combatants) was given by Baladi

Summary

First published
August 26, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 8
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
2–24
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