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

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

April 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS769

LOCATION

حي السكري, Sukkari (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

In a major incident, multiple local sources reported that up to 58 civilians died and between 40 and 90 were injured in airstrikes on the MSF Al Quds hospital in Sukkari. Medical staff were among the casualties. Most reports alleged that Russia was responsible, though the White Helmets pointed towards the regime. The Syrian Network

Summary

First published
April 27, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
58
(18 children4–10 women24–26 men)
Civilians reported injured
40–90
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
58 named, 6 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

April 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS767

LOCATION

حي طريق الباب, Tareeq al-Bab (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Local sources reported that warplanes targeted al Shi’ar and Tareeq al-Bab, Aleppo, killing up three civilians and wounding several, inlcluding children. Among others, the Syrian News Network (SNN) reported that “three others were killed in the neighborhoods of al Shi’ar and Tareeq al bab” It was however contested who carried out the strikes. The SNN pointed

Summary

First published
April 26, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
3–4
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 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS768

LOCATION

حي باب النيرب, Bab al Nayrab (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Local sources reported that up to six civilians were killed and eight were injured followed by airstrikes targeting Bab Nairab, Aleppo. The Syrian News Network (SNN) reported that four civilians were killed while Thiqa News Agency said the strikes had killed six. None of the sources identified the names of the victims. The SNN and

Summary

First published
April 26, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 6
Civilians reported injured
7–8
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
View Incident

Incident date

April 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS765

LOCATION

الحيدرية, Haydariya (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Up to 11 civilians died, among them two young girls, and dozens of other civilians were injured in airstrikes on the Haydariya neighborhood of Aleppo according to local sources. While one report alleged that this was the work of Russia, others blamed the regime. A local activist told Ara News that “the city of Aleppo saw

Summary

First published
April 26, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 11
(2 children)
Civilians reported injured
5–12
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

April 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS766

LOCATION

الفردوس, Al Fardous (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Four or five civilians died and others were wounded in alleged airstrikes on Fardous, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted or unclear as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. On Twitter, Syriam_m_m as well as Wesal_tv reported that five people died and many were wounded “in Russian

Summary

First published
April 26, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
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

April 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS764

LOCATION

الأتارب, Atarib, Aleppo, Syria

Five consecutive airstrikes on a civil defense center in Atarib killed up to six members of the White Helmets. Reports however were conflicted: most blame the Assad regime, with only one (the Shaam News Network) alleging that this was the work of Russia – and reporting here was confused. According to the White Helmets, there

Summary

First published
April 26, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 6
(6 men)
Civilians reported injured
1–2
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
7 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 24, 2016

Incident Code

RS763

LOCATION

المواصلات, Al Mowasalat (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Three civilians including one woman and one child died and eight others were injured in airstrikes on Al Mowasalat in Aleppo, according to local sources – though some were unclear as to whether this was a Russian or regime incident. Smart News agency published a video showing the aftermath of an alleged Russian strike in

Summary

First published
April 24, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(1 child1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
5–8
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
View Incident

Incident date

April 24, 2016

Incident Code

RS762

LOCATION

الصاخور, Al Sakhour (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Up to 12 civilians including two children and two women died and 15 others were injured in airstrikes on Sakhour according to multiple sources – though they were unclear as to whether the raids were carried out by Russia or the Assad regime. Shaam News Network reported that regime and Russian aircraft continued to strike

Summary

First published
April 24, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 12
(2 children2 women1 man)
Civilians reported injured
15–30
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 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS761

LOCATION

الكماري, Kamari, Aleppo, Syria

Up to five civilians including three children died in airstrikes on Kamari, Aleppo, according to multiple sources – though sources are conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. A tweet by Jabalybarra (an Al Jazeera-affiliated photographer in Aleppo) said a child was killed in the Al-Salheen neighbourhood: “Reports

Summary

First published
April 23, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 5
(3 children1 woman1 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
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

April 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS760

LOCATION

حي طريق الباب, Tareeq al-Bab (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Airstrikes on the Tareeq al-Bab neighborhood of Aleppo killed between 10 and 17 civilians and injured at least 20 more, according to local sources. Reports did not definitively identify the warplanes responsible, with some referring to Russia and the regime, while others attributed the incident solely to the regime. The White Helmets said two raids

Summary

First published
April 23, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 17
(2 children6 men)
Civilians reported injured
20–24
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

Incident date

April 22, 2016

Incident Code

RS759

LOCATION

سرحة, Sarha, Hama, Syria

Nine civilians including two women and two to three children died in airstrikes on Sarha and surrounding villages according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. According to Shaam News Network,”aircraft believed to be a Russian carried out raids on the

Summary

First published
April 22, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9
(2–3 children2–3 women)
Civilians reported injured
7–20
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
6 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

April 22, 2016

Incident Code

RS758

LOCATION

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

Local sources reported that between 18 and 20 civilians died in alleged regime and Russian raids on neighborhoods in Aleppo. According to the Shaam News Network, “regime and Russian planes” carried our raids “targeting most of Aleppo’s neighbourhoods: Tareeq al Bab, Al Mayssar, al Rashideen, Bustan al Qasr, Al Marja, Sallahudeen, Aqyool, Bab al Nayrab,

Summary

First published
April 22, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
18 – 20
(1–2 children)
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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS757

LOCATION

الفردوس, Al Fardous (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Multiple sources reported that up to 16 people died in airstrikes in Aleppo city. While some blamed Russia, others said the regime or armed rebel groups were responsible. LCCSY said one man was killed and five injured after Russian planes targeted the neighborhood with two dawn raids. Q0wyy also blamed Russia and reported that “Russian

Summary

First published
April 16, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 16
(7 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
5–12
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
8 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

April 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS756

LOCATION

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

Between nine and 17 civilians including one woman and two children died in airstrikes on neighborhoods of Deir Ezzor, according to local sources. While some reports allege that this was the work of Russia, one other blames the Assad regime with yet others not attributing responsibility. Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently reported that Russian

Summary

First published
April 16, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9 – 17
(2 children1 woman9 men)
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

April 14, 2016

Incident Code

RS755

LOCATION

دارة عزة, Darat Izza, Aleppo, Syria

One adult male civilian, Mohammed Ibrahreem Ello, was killed in an airstrike on Darat Izza according to local sources – though only one report alleged that this was a Russian strike. Aleppo News named the victim and said that he was killed by a “warplane“. According to Al-Maghrib Today, the regime was to blame: “one man

Summary

First published
April 14, 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
Unknown, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 14, 2016

Incident Code

RS754

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

Fourteen civilians including three children died and at least 24 people were injured in airstrikes on Raqqa, according to multiple sources – though reports are conflicted as to whether the Assad regime or Russia were responsible. Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently posted images showing destruction of the city following airstrikes. It did not initially say

Summary

First published
April 14, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
14
(3 children1 woman11 men)
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
14 named, 1 familiy identified
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

April 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS753

LOCATION

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

The Violations Documentations Center named Abdulhameed Ghassan al Afeif (also known as Hamadah) as killed in an alleged Russian airstrike. However according to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, he died when regime warplanes fired missiles on the Al Hamidiyeh neighborhood.  

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

April 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS751 CS201

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

At least five and as many as 20 civilians were reported killed and 53 injured after heavy alleged Coalition, Russian and/or Syrian regime night time strikes on Raqqa. Most sources allege that these were Coalition and regime raids – with the Coalition responsible for those after midnight and the regime for early morning strikes. Coalition

Summary

First published
April 10, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility, School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 20
(1–3 children1–4 women3 men)
Civilians reported injured
53
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Unknown, US-led Coalition, Syrian Regime
Named victims
9 named, 3 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

April 7, 2016

Incident Code

RS750

LOCATION

سراقب, Saraqib, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians were killed and nine others wounded in airstrikes on Saraqib, according to local sources. While three alleged that Russia was responsible, two other sources blamed the Assad regime. Shaam News Network said Russia carried out raids on several areas in Idlib, adding: “Activists said that an aircraft targeted the eastern city of Saraqeb

Summary

First published
April 7, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
Civilians reported injured
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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 7, 2016

Incident Code

RS749

LOCATION

الضمير, Dumayr, Damascus, Syria

One adult male civilian was killed and many people wounded in an alleged Russian or regime airstrike on Dumayr, according to local sources. The Violations Documentation Center names Omar Mahdi al-Khasi and says he was killed “due to Russian air forces shelling”. However, in a tweet by Marwanqadi it was reported that he “died in a regime warplanes

Summary

First published
April 7, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
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 7, 2016

Incident Code

RS748

LOCATION

الحسينية, Hussainiya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One 65-year-old male civilian, Hanoud al-Assaf, was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on the village of Hussainiya, Deir Ezzor, according to local sources. Reports at the time cite heavy clashes in the near area between rebels and the Assad regime.  

Summary

First published
April 7, 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

April 7, 2016

Incident Code

RS747

LOCATION

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

Three civilians died in an alleged Russian airstrike in Deir ez-Zor, according to local sources. Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently reported that three civilians died when “Russian planes targeted al Sina’a, Huwaija Sakr and the area around the military airport with more than 15 raids since the morning after an attack was carried out

Summary

First published
April 7, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(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

March 30, 2016

Incident Code

RS745

LOCATION

المرج, Marj, Damascus, Syria

Shaam News Network reported that two civilians died in alleged Russian raids on Marj, eastern Ghouta. Baladi and All4Syria also said there had been “warplane raids” on Marj, but that there had been no reports of deaths or injuries. Neither said who had carried out the raids.  

Summary

First published
March 30, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

March 30, 2016

Incident Code

RS746

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

Shaam News Network reported that one civilian died and several others were wounded in a Russian strike in Douma: “Two civilians were martyred in Al Marj area in Russian raids and one was martyred and others wounded in Douma.” However, other sources report that this was a regime action. The Syrian Network for Human Rights

Summary

First published
March 30, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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, US-led Coalition, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

March 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS743

LOCATION

تدمر, Palmyra, Homs, Syria

One unidentified civilian male was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Palmyra, according to the Violations Documentation Center. Activists told Shaam News Network that Russian warplanes targeted a bus carrying passengers from Damascus to Deir ez-Zor “near the third stop near Palmyra, which led to the death of one civilian and several wounded.” Syriapost1

Summary

First published
March 26, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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

March 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS744

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

The Violations Documentation Center named two civilians, Zahra Fihan, and her son Mohammad Abdullah al-Rashed, as killed in an alleged Russian airstrikes on Raqqa. The victims were also named by Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently, which blamed Russia.  

Summary

First published
March 26, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 woman1 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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS742

LOCATION

جسرين, Jisreen, Damascus, Syria

Two civilians died in an airstrike on Hasreen, eastern Ghouta, according to local sources – though reports are conflicted as to whether Russia or the Assad regime were responsible. According to the Shaam News Network, the raids were “launched by a Russian Sikhoi 24“. The network reported: “Activists said the shelling today focused on the

Summary

First published
March 23, 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

March 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS740

LOCATION

تدمر, Palmyra, Homs, Syria

One young adult male civilian died in an airstrike on Palmyra according to local sources, though reports are conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. Qasioun reported: Palmyra City was the target this morning of intensive raids by Russian aviation, amounting to about 35 strikes, in which aircraft

Summary

First published
March 23, 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