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

July 1, 2018

Incident Code

R3300

LOCATION

معرّبة , Ma’arba, Daraa, Syria

A single source reported 14 killed, including two women, in alleged Russian and Syrian airstrikes on the town of Maraba, east of Daraa. Step News Agency also reported the wounding of “others” in the strikes.

Summary

First published
July 1, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
14
(2 women)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

October 1, 2017

Incident Code

CS1559 RS2575

LOCATION

الميادين, Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Up to 14 named civilians died in an air and artillery strike in Al Mayadin, local media reported – though it was unclear who was responsible for the event, with sources pointing towards the Coalition, Russia and the regime. Many reports referred only to attacks by “warplanes”. Although no specific sources put the death toll

Summary

First published
October 1, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 14
(4 children2 women3 men)
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
US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
14 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS500

LOCATION

قباسين, Qabasin, Aleppo, Syria

Between four and 14 civilians died in alleged Russian airstrikes on Qabasein. In a news roundup the Shaam News Network reported “Russian enemy planes carried out dozens of strikes on the towns of Al Bab, Manbej, Jarablus and the town of Qabaseen causing the fall of dozens of dead and wounded in al Bab and

Summary

First published
January 29, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 14
(0–1 children4 men)
Civilians reported injured
20–50
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
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 16, 2017

Incident Code

CS1211 RS2342

LOCATION

ميادين, Al Mayadin, multiple locations, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between 11 and 14 civilians – including several women and children – were killed and dozens others were wounded in airstrikes on Al Mayadin. However it was contested as to who was responsible. Sources either blamed Russia, the Syrian regime or the US-led Coalition. More than five sources made no claims with regards to responsibility. However,

Summary

First published
July 16, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
11 – 14
(1–3 children1–2 women1 man)
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
US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime, Unknown
Named victims
11 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 30, 2016

Incident Code

RS1374

LOCATION

الشيخ فارس, al Sheikh Faress, Aleppo, Syria

Between six and 14 civilians died including up to seven children and four women with dozens more wounded in airstrikes with “bunker busting” missiles on the residential neighbourhood of Al Sheikh Faress, Aleppo, according to sources on the ground. The majority of sources attributed this incident to Russia, though one report said that the Assad

Summary

First published
September 30, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 14
(7 children4 women)
Civilians reported injured
12–36
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

February 15, 2019

Incident Code

RS3587

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

In what has been described my local media as a massacre, between eight and 14 civilians were killed, including women and children, and “dozens” were injured, following artillery strikes on the residential neighbourhood of Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib. Most of the local media alleged that the Syrian regime were to blame for the strikes, however some

Summary

First published
February 15, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 14
(5–6 children2–4 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
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
20 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 5, 2016

Incident Code

RS1740

LOCATION

ادلب المدينة, Idlib city, Idlib, Syria

On December 5, 2016, at least 16 civilians were killed and between 15 and 24 were wounded in an aerial bombardment which struck Idlib city. It is unclear who was to blame, with most sources attributing blame to Russia, and some sources blaming the Syrian regime. Smart News reported that according to two activists, the

Summary

First published
December 5, 2016
Last updated
June 26, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
16
(9–12 children1–3 women1–2 men)
Civilians reported injured
15–24
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
14 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 19, 2015

Incident Code

RS169

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

Fourteen or more non-combatants were killed and dozens injured in the shelling of Eastern Ghouta. Since the attack reportedly involved both airstrikes including cluster munitions (by either Russian or Assad regime aircraft), as well as ground artillery fire from pro-government forces, attribution for the deaths remains unclear. According to SNN, the “‘Sharia public body’ in

Summary

First published
November 19, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
14
(3 children2 women7–9 men)
Civilians reported injured
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
13 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 7, 2017

Incident Code

RS2611

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Deir Ezzor, Syria

At least five and as many as 13 civilians, including children and women, were killed and between six and eight were left wounded following alleged Assad or Russian-waged airstrikes on residential areas in Khan Sheikhoun, Deir Ezzor, local sources reported. Most sources reported the death of five civilians. However, a total of seven victims were identified

Summary

First published
October 7, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 13
(1–4 children2–3 women2–3 men)
Civilians reported injured
6–8
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
15 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 10, 2019

Incident Code

RS3786

LOCATION

جبالا, Jbala, Idlib, Syria

Thirteen civilians were reported killed in airstrikes on Jbala, Idlib, June 10th. While multiple sources cited thirteen as the number of civilians killed, one source, Step News Agency reported four deaths initially. As understanding of the events unfolded, this same source later stated that death toll had risen to 12. While @abuhuzaifa_  alleged said that

Summary

First published
June 10, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
13
(1–5 children2–3 women)
Civilians reported injured
2–12
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
13 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 11, 2017

Incident Code

RS2718

LOCATION

المراشدة, al Mrashda, Deir Ezzor, Syria

As many as 13 civilians were killed, including one young man, and dozens more civilians were injured, in airstrikes on al Mrashda, according to local media. Sources either attributed the blame to Russia, or unknown warplanes. The raids which were “believed to be Russian”, allegedly hit a water crossing. There were reportedly dozens or strikes,

Summary

First published
November 11, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 13
(1 man)
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, Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 27, 2017

Incident Code

RS2553

LOCATION

الحوايج البومصعة, al Hawaij al Bou masa’a crossing, Deir Ezzor, Syria

As many as 13 people were reportedly killed and dozens were reportedly injured after an airstrike, believed to be Russian, on al Hawayj al Boumsa’a crossing, according to Euphrates Post reporting. The date of the airstrike is unclear, but on September 27th Euphrates Post shared some pictures of the aftermath.

Summary

First published
September 27, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
13
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

December 4, 2015

Incident Code

RS224

LOCATION

تلبيسة, Talbisah, Homs, Syria

Thirteen civilians including three women and four children were reported killed at Talbiseh  – and at least 10 children injured. Multiple sources were divided in blaming Russia or the Assad regime. According to The Syrian Revolution News for Talbissa more than 10 children were injured in the attack. It posted multiple videos – along with

Summary

First published
December 4, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
13
(4 children3 women6 men)
Civilians reported injured
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
13 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 13, 2016

Incident Code

RS1139

LOCATION

عرب سعيد, Arab Said, Idlib, Syria

Between three and 13 civilians died and up to dozens more were wounded in an alleged Russian or regime airstrike on a fuel market in Arab Said, according to local media. The majority of victims were reportedly so badly burnt that it was impossible to identify them. The lowest death count was give by Radio

Summary

First published
August 13, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 13
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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS1355

LOCATION

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

Between three and 13 civilians were reported killed alleged Russian or Syrian regime artillery strikes on the Bustan Al Qasr neighbourhood in Aleppo. According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, “at least three civilians including a child died due to alleged Russian warplanes missiles firing on Bustan Al Qasr neighborhood in Aleppo city” AleppoAMC

Summary

First published
September 26, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 13
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 30, 2015

Incident Code

RS096

LOCATION

الباب, Al-Bab, Aleppo, Syria

At least 10 and as many as 13 civilians were reported killed and 40 injured following alleged Russian airstrikes on Al Bab. According to Shaam News, “More than 10 civilians were killed in the city of Al Bab controlled by IS in addition to many injured. The aircraft targeted Al Rihawi mosque, Martta Square, Beith

Summary

First published
October 30, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 13
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
40
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

February 6, 2018

Incident Code

RS2983

LOCATION

عربين, Arbeen, Damascus, Syria

At least three and as many as 13 civilians, including two women, were killed and “dozens” others wounded, local media reported after the city of Arbeen, Damascus, was subject to air and artillery strikes. Sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. The incident, described as a

Summary

First published
February 6, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 13
(2 women)
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

September 29, 2017

Incident Code

RS2565

LOCATION

حارم, Harem, Idlib, Syria

A multitude of civilians were killed in alleged Russian or regime airstrikes on the village of Harem, close to the Turkish border in Idlib Province, according to local sources. The number of deaths reported varied between sources, ranging from three to 11. All sources reported the killing of a woman and her five children. The

Summary

First published
September 29, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 13
(1–5 children1–2 women)
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
7 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 17, 2016

Incident Code

RS910

LOCATION

الثورة‎, Al-Thawrah (Tabaqah), Raqqa, Syria

Multiple sources reported Russian warplanes carried out strikes in the region of Ar Raqqah and Al Tabaqa, reportedly killing 13 or more people and injuring up to 20. Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently identifed eight locations: Near the al Hamza mosque Near the al Rahma mosque The first neighbourhood at the entrance of al Bahira

Summary

First published
June 17, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 13
(3 children4 women)
Civilians reported injured
17–20
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
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 7, 2017

Incident Code

RS1948

LOCATION

مسكنة, Maskanah, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Between 10 and 13 civilians, including children, were killed and up to another nine were wounded as airstrikes on Maskanah, Aleppo, local sources reported – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. Sources reported between 10 and 13 civilian casualties, however, most said there had

Summary

First published
March 7, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 13
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
View Incident

Incident date

January 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS409

LOCATION

برلهين, Berlheen, Aleppo, Syria

According to Alaan TV, Russian raids killed eight civilians in Berlheen. Halab News put the death toll higher, at 13, but did not identify the warplanes responsible. LCCSY reported that 15 civilians died in strikes on Tal Maksour and Berlheen, but they did not say who was to blame. Aleppo journalist Khaledaboalmjed said that 28

Summary

First published
January 16, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 13
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

November 17, 2016

Incident Code

RS1615

LOCATION

كفربطنا, Kafr Batna, Eastern Ghouta, Damascus, Syria

A number of civilians were killed and wounded in an airstrike on Kafr Batna, Eastern Ghouta, according to local media – though reports were conflicted as to which belligerent was responsible for the event. Similar to most other sources reporting on this event, @kafrbatna2011 did not identify the warplanes responsible, they did however report that

Summary

First published
November 17, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 13
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

February 19, 2017

Incident Code

RS1910

LOCATION

تل ماعز , Tal Maez, Aleppo, Syria

Between three and 13 civilians died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Tal Maez, according to sources on the ground. According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, “four civilians, including two children and a woman, died when suspected Russian warplanes missiles fired on Tal al Mo’ez village in Aleppo governorate eastern suburbs, February 19,

Summary

First published
February 19, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 13
(2 children1 woman3 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
View Incident

Incident date

February 28, 2017

Incident Code

RS1935

LOCATION

حطلة, Hatla, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between 11 and 13 civilians were killed at a river crossing point in Hatla by alleged Russian aircraft, local sources reported. Other civilians were wounded but no specific numbers were reported. All sources blamed Russia for the raid. Sources reported that women and children were included in the death toll. There was not only destruction

Summary

First published
February 28, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
11 – 13
(0–1 children0–1 women)
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

June 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS957

LOCATION

الباب, Al-Bab, Aleppo, Syria

Up to 13 civilians died and as many as 20 more were wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes on Al Bab city, according to local media. Many sources reported that at least seven were killed. Qasioun reported that “Seven civilians were killed and several injured Thursday morning [June 29th], as a result of air strikes on

Summary

First published
June 29, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 13
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2–20
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
Named victims
7 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 5, 2017

Incident Code

RS2681

LOCATION

معيزلية, Ma'izilya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

As many as 13 civilians were killed, including a family of five, and others were injured, following airstrikes on Al-Rifai camp for displaced peoples in Ma’izilya. Sources were conflicted as to who was responsible, with most blaming Russia, however Syrian Network for Human rights was among a few who blamed the Syrian regime. Many sources

Summary

First published
November 5, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 13
(10 children1 woman1 man)
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, Unknown
Named victims
15 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 25, 2017

Incident Code

RS1924

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

Eleven named civilians were killed – including five children, a woman and two men – and dozens more were wounded in an alleged air and artillery strike on a market in Douma, according to reports from the ground. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. Many attributed the strikes to Russian missiles, while

Summary

First published
February 25, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
11 – 13
(5 children1 woman2 men)
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
11 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS348

LOCATION

زملكا, Zamalka, Damascus, Syria

Up to 12 civilians including three to four children and two women were killed and dozens more injured in alleged airstrikes and an artillery bombardment on Zamalka, according to multiple sources – though reports are conflicted as to whether Russian or Assad regime forces were responsible for the deaths. Shaam News initially reported that four

Summary

First published
January 6, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
12 – 13
(3–4 children1–2 women9 men)
Civilians reported injured
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
12 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 2, 2017

Incident Code

RS2416

LOCATION

جب الجراح قرية الدرويشية , Al Darwishiyah village, near Jab al Jarrah, 89 km east of Homs city, Homs, Syria

Thirteen  civilians – including women and children – were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike in Al-Darwishiya in Jab Al-Jarrah, a village under the control of the Islamic State, on September 2nd, according the Smart News Agency. Multiple sources indicated coordination between regime forces and the warplanes. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights,

Summary

First published
September 2, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
13
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

July 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS1012

LOCATION

الفردوس, Al Fardous (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

An entire family was killed in a missile attack which took place in the afternoon of July 16th on Aleppo’s Ferdous neighbourhood, according to local media. Sources said that explosive barrels and missiles struck the area, though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. Orient news

Summary

First published
July 16, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 13
(2 children1–3 women3 men)
Civilians reported injured
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
Named victims
6 named
View Incident