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

October 5, 2023

Incident Code

R4567

LOCATION

المدخل الشرقي لإدلب ومحطة الكهرباء, the eastern entrance of Idlib and the power station, Idlib, Syria

On the afternoon of Thursday October 5th 2023, an artillery shelling allegedly perpetrated by Syrian regime forces and/or the Russian military struck Eastern Idlib, including a large electric power station, killing between one and two civilians and injuring three civilians, one of whom was a child. The majority of sources, such as Syria Civil Defence

Summary

First published
October 5, 2023
Last updated
February 2, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian infrastructure
Power Station
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
Civilians reported injured
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
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 7, 2023

Incident Code

R4591

LOCATION

جسر الشغورجسر الشغور, Jisr Al Shughour city, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians, including a 44-year-old woman and a man, were injured and a number of civilians were reportedly killed shortly before 8:56 AM on the morning of Saturday, October 7th, 2023, due to the bombardement reportedly perpetrated by Syrian regime forces and/or Russian military on the residential neighborhoods of the Jisr Al Shughour city, west

Summary

First published
October 7, 2023
Last updated
April 23, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian infrastructure
Marketplace, Religious Institution, School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
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.
Impact
Education
Impact on services or infrastructure relating to education, health or food supply. See methodology note for details.
Suspected belligerents
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

July 3, 2024

Incident Code

R4674

LOCATION

سرمين, city of Sarmin, east of Idlib, Idlib, Syria

Six identified civilians, including two children and four women of which two were mother and daughter, were injured and several civilians were reportedly killed in an alleged artillery shelling with contested responsibility perpetrated by the Syrian regime military forces and/or Russian military and/or Iranian military in the city of Sarmin, east of Idlib, Syria, in

Summary

First published
July 3, 2024
Last updated
October 8, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
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 belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime, Iranian Military
Named victims
6 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 4, 2015

Incident Code

RS018

LOCATION

أم شرشوح, Umm Sharshuh, Homs, Syria

An alleged Russian raid killed up to three civilians at Umm Sharshuh, a town near Al Rastan. The Syrian Network cited local activist Abu Baraa Al Homsi: “Russian warplanes launched a number of air-strikes on Garnata and Umm Sharshuh. The strikes targeted civilian targets as usual. A number of individuals were killed and injured.” The

Summary

First published
October 4, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
Civilians reported injured
2–24
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

October 16, 2015

Incident Code

RS050

LOCATION

كفر كرمين, Kafr Karmin, Aleppo, Syria

Between ten and 13 civilians including five children died in a Russian or Syrian regime airstrike on Kafr Karmin. The Syrian Network later named some eight of the including one man, two women and five children. One eyewitness said the attack came “Exactly after Friday prayer [when] Russian planes targeted the village of Kafr Karmeen

Summary

First published
October 16, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 13
(5 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
8 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 27, 2015

Incident Code

RS083

LOCATION

البوابية, Buwaybiyah, Aleppo, Syria

Up to four civilians including a young girl were reported killed following heavy airstrikes at Al Bawabye which were widely attributed to Russia. The White Helmets reported that “Civil defence teams pulled out 4 martyrs in Al Bawabiya.” The Violations Documentation Center later named three fatalities.    

Summary

First published
October 27, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(1 child2 men)
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
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 3, 2015

Incident Code

RS116

LOCATION

الأنصاري, Al Ansari (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

A vacuum missile, allegedly fired by Russian warplanes killed eleven non-combatants and injured about 20 in the Ansari neighbourhood of Aleppo, according to reports. Several homes have destroyed. Four of those killed were brothers and sisters from one family, who died alongside their father. The raid was one of several in neighbourhoods of Aleppo, including an

Summary

First published
November 3, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
11
(5 children)
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
Named victims
11 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 15, 2015

Incident Code

RS151

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Shaykhun, Idlib, Syria

Five non-combatants – including a woman and child – were reported killed and more than five people injured in an alleged Russian airstrike targeting the town of Khan Shaikhoun. The Shaam News Network said three civilians were killed in the raid, while the Union of Hamas rebels reported that four people died. The VDC put

Summary

First published
November 15, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(1 child1 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
Named victims
5 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 21, 2015

Incident Code

RS184

LOCATION

حي طريق السد, Tareeq al Sadd, Daraa, Syria

Ten non-combatants, including five women and four children, were killed in an airstrike on the Tareeq al Sadd (Dam Road) neighborhood in Dara’a, according to multiple reports. The Union of Hama Rebels stated that one child, Limar Mirzo al-Teani, was killed in the alleged raid, while Shaam News Network posted a video depicting the dead bodies of a

Summary

First published
November 21, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10
(4 children5 women1 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
10 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 1, 2015

Incident Code

RS216

LOCATION

القريتين, Al Qaryatayn, Homs, Syria

Eight civilians were reported killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Qarayatain, according to reports.        

Summary

First published
December 1, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8
(2 women6 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
9 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 9, 2015

Incident Code

RS249

LOCATION

حمورية, Hamouriya, Damascus, Syria

Twenty-three civilians including eight children and one woman were reported killed and 20 injured in an airstrike on a residential area of Hamouriya, according to multiple sources. Reports were conflicted as to whether the attack was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. The Shaam News Network initially said 14 non-combatants died in a “massacre” by Russian warplanes.

Summary

First published
December 9, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
23
(8 children1 woman)
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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
22 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 15, 2015

Incident Code

RS281

LOCATION

الفردوس, Al Fardous (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Four civilians including two children were killed in airstrikes on the Fardous neighbourhood, Aleppo, according to multiple sources – though it is unclear whether regime or Russian warplanes were responsible for the attacks. The Shaam News Network reported that three non-combatants were killed in Russian airstrikes. But the White Helmets suggested that the Assad regime may have

Summary

First published
December 15, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(2 children)
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 25, 2015

Incident Code

RS314

LOCATION

أعزاز‎, A`zaz, Aleppo, Syria

Three civilians were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on A’zaz, according to multiple sources. The Shaam News Network reported that four Russian airstrikes struck the city. Activists told SNN that the raids targeted a field hospital and a women’s and children’s hospital, causing severe damage and huge fires which the White Helmets attempted to extinguish. They stated that

Summary

First published
December 25, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(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

January 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS346

LOCATION

نوى, Nawa, Daraa, Syria

Three non-combatants were killed and several others injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on Nawa, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Smart News reported that “Russian warplanes launched four raids on residential neighborhoods in the city, leaving three dead and several wounded including women and children (some of them critical), who were taken to

Summary

First published
January 6, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
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 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS378

LOCATION

معرسة الخان, Ma’arasta Al Khan, Aleppo, Syria

At least 10 civilians including three women and two children were killed and ten to 12 wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes on Ma’aratsa Al Khan, according to multiple sources. The targets appear to have included a civilian bus. The Shaam News Network reported that “Russian aircraft committed a massacre in the town of Ma’arasta Al Khan

Summary

First published
January 12, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 22
(2 children3 women1 man)
Civilians reported injured
10–12
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
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS410

LOCATION

بغيلية, Al Baghiliya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

15 civilians including one woman and nine children were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Al Baghiliya, according to local sources. The Shaam News Network blamed Russia for the strikes, reporting: “Activists have denied the news published by Assad’s media that IS had committed a massacre against civilians in Al Baghiliya district.  The regime said

Summary

First published
January 16, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
15
(9 children1 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
16 named, 3 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 22, 2016

Incident Code

RS443

LOCATION

سرمدا, Sarmada, Idlib, Syria

Up to eight civilians including one child were killed and 12 others injured in an alleged Russian airstrike on Sarmada, according to local sources. The Syrian Observatory for Human rights said that eight people (including a child and three people from the Palmyra area, a commander of a checkpoint belonging to a rebel faction and other fighters) were

Summary

First published
January 22, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 8
(1 child4 men)
Civilians reported injured
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
8 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS476

LOCATION

الخريطة, Al Khareeta, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Three or more civilians including 2 to 3 women and one child were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Al Khareeta, according to three sources. The Syrian Network for Human Rights said the victims died when “suspected Russian warplanes” fired missiles on Al Khareeta. Both the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently

Summary

First published
January 27, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(1 child2–3 women)
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
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS509

LOCATION

البورمضان, Albu Ramadan, Raqqa, Syria

Four civilians were killed and another five injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on Albu Ramadan in eastern Raqqah, according to local sources. The Shaam News Network said: “coinciding with the violent attack by the Russian Aviation on Deir ez-Zor the towns of Raqqa were not spared.” They reported on a “new massacre” on Albu Ramadan which targeted

Summary

First published
January 29, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
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
8 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 4, 2016

Incident Code

RS544

LOCATION

حي الكلاسة, Al Kalassa (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Five civilians were killed and 22 others injured in an airstrike on Al Kalassa, according to local sources. The Shaam News Network alleged that Russian raids killed five in Al Kalassa, as part of “Russian aggression on different areas in Aleppo” on Thursday February 4th. The White Helmets reported that “a vacuum missile fell on

Summary

First published
February 4, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
Civilians reported injured
22
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

February 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS577

LOCATION

كفر كلبين‎, Kafr Kalbeen, Aleppo, Syria

Between one and 20 civilians including one child died in airstrikes on Kafr Kalbeen, according to local sources – though they are conflicted or unclear as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. Shaam News Network said there had been “a systematic campaign of shelling Aleppo, where aircraft Russian aggression

Summary

First published
February 9, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 20
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

February 14, 2016

Incident Code

RS610

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

Three civilians were killed and several others wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Douma, according to a single source. Shaam News Network said that “Russian aggression targeted several placed in the city several raids and then artillery targeted markets and public roads.” It added that “the bombardment also targeted one of the Central Ambulance

Summary

First published
February 14, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

February 19, 2016

Incident Code

RS642

LOCATION

الشيخ عيسى, Sheikh Issa, Aleppo, Syria

Between four and seven civilians including three children and two women were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Sheikh Issa, according to a single source. The Syrian Network for Human Rights initially reported that “The children Ibrahim, Hussein, and Samer Amer Hameidi and their father died in suspected Russian warplanes shelling on Al Sheikh Eisa

Summary

First published
February 19, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 7
(3 children0–2 women1 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
6 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS674

LOCATION

جوبر‎, Jobar neighborhood, Damascus, Damascus, Syria

Two adult male civilians died in alleged Russian airstrikes on the Jobar neighborhood of Damascus, according to local sources. Smart reported nine Russian raids on the neighbourhood, while a tweet from FS_Muslim put the number of raids as high as 12. Baladi said two civilians died at the hands of Russia. Some other sources did not

Summary

First published
February 26, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 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
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 4, 2016

Incident Code

RS706

LOCATION

الصوانة, Sawaneh, Homs, Syria

Between nine and 11 civilians were killed in airstrikes on Sawaneh according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. Shaam News Network reported: “Russian aviation has committed a massacre after midnight last night against civilians in the town of Sawana, southwestern

Summary

First published
March 4, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9 – 11
(2 women5 men)
Civilians reported injured
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
9 named, 3 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 19, 2016

Incident Code

RS738 CS192

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

In a second day of airstrikes on Raqqa, 43 civilians were reported killed and 60 injured – though sources are conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime – with one report suggesting this may be a Coalition incident. The Daesh agency Al A’maq said there had been nine

Summary

First published
March 19, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
39 – 43
(5 women8 men)
Civilians reported injured
60
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, US-led Coalition
Named victims
14 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

April 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS770

LOCATION

أبلين, Ibleen, Idlib, Syria

Between one and four civilians including at least one child died in airstrikes on al Zawiya mountain, Idlib according to local sources – though only one source identified the warplanes responsible as Russian. Zaitoun News reported that four children were killed and five persons were wounded in an alleged regime strike on Ibleen village in

Summary

First published
April 27, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 4
(1–4 children)
Civilians reported injured
4–5
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

May 20, 2016

Incident Code

RS803

LOCATION

حريتان, Hraytan, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian died and between five and ten were injured in strikes on Hraytan, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. The Shaam News Network said that one civilian was killed and five were wounded in Russian strikes, “noting that

Summary

First published
May 20, 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

June 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS836

LOCATION

حي الكلاسة, Al Kalassa (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Between six and eight civilians died and 12 more were injured in an air or artillery strikes on the Al Kalassa neighbourhood in Aleppo, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Syrian regime. The Shaam News Network reported Russian raids with warplanes

Summary

First published
June 3, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 8
Civilians reported injured
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
View Incident

Incident date

June 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS868

LOCATION

ذيبان‬, Ziban, Deir Ezzor, Syria

On June 8th, a single source, Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently, reported that a civilian died from wounds sustained in an alleged Russian strike a few days previously. No further details are currently available.

Summary

First published
June 6, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident