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

March 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS709

LOCATION

فيحان, Faihan, Aleppo, Syria

Between eight and 17 civilians died in a strike on Faihan according to local sources – though reports are conflicted as to whether Russia or the Assad regime were responsible. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that four non-combatants including two children from the same family died when suspected Russian warplanes fired missiles on

Summary

First published
March 6, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 17
(2 children)
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
View Incident

Incident date

March 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS710

LOCATION

بزاعا, Bza'a village, Aleppo, Syria

Up to four non-combatants died in alleged Russian airstrikes on the village of Bza’a, according to local sources. SY_Post said Russian warplanes conducted three raids on the village.

Summary

First published
March 6, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(1 woman1–3 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
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS711

LOCATION

شنهصة, Shahnasa village, Aleppo, Syria

Up to four civilians died in an alleged Russian strike on the village of Shahnasa, according to local sources. HNN named Karim Hussein al-Abdullah as a victim and said three more unidentified people were killed in a Russian strike. DCHRS also named Karim Hussein al-Abdullah and added that three unidentified victims died. It too blamed

Summary

First published
March 6, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(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

March 4, 2016

Incident Code

RS708

LOCATION

الحميدية, Hamidiya (Deir ez-Zor), Deir Ezzor, Syria

One child was killed following an alleged Russian airstrike on Hamidiya, according to several local sources. She died of her injuries two days later. One source says that a female died in a barrel bomb attack – suggesting a possible regime action. The victim was named by the VDC as Baydaa Abdul Lateef al Sayer.

Summary

First published
March 4, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 4, 2016

Incident Code

RS707

LOCATION

الشيفونية, Al Shifoniyah, Damascus, Syria

Two civilians died and several others were wounded in raids on Al Shifoniyah, according to local reports – though it is currently unclear whether Russia or the Assad regime was responsible. Shaam News Network reported that “After six days of calm the regime and Russia have returned to Douma to disturb the lives of civilians,

Summary

First published
March 4, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 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
2 named
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 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS705

LOCATION

حلب, Aleppo, Syria

One adult civilian died and three children were reported wounded in an airstrike on Aleppo, according to local sources. The VDC named a victim as  Ahmad Abd al-Kareem al-Shaikh and blamed Russia. A Tweet by Ahat Watan said: “Young Ahmed Abdul Karim Sheikh, another martyr, God willing, was killed by the criminal Russian airstrike this

Summary

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

March 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS703

LOCATION

الهلك, Huluk (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

The Violations Documentation Center said one 19-year-old male civilian, Safi Mahmoud Trab, was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike In Hulluk, Aleppo. According to SMP, “activists said that the air force of the Russian occupation launched air strikes on Hulluk neighborhood in Aleppo, in conjunction with clashes between the rebels and ‘democratic Syria’ militia after

Summary

First published
March 2, 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

March 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS704

LOCATION

نبهان, Nabhan, Idlib, Syria

One 35-year old man, Mostafa Abdo Nabhan, was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Nabhan Village, Jisr Al Shoughour, according to the Violations Documentation Center.  

Summary

First published
March 2, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS702

LOCATION

تدمر, Palmyra, Homs, Syria

Three civilians including one child and one woman died in airstrikes on Palmyra – though reports are conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. Shaam News reported that Moscow was responsible: “Russian enemy planes carried out more than 15 air raids on the city of Palmyra targeting civilian

Summary

First published
March 2, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility, School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
11
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

March 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS701

LOCATION

كسرة الفرج, Kasret Farj, Raqqa, Syria

Up to seven civilians including one child were reported killed and up to 71 others injured in alleged Russian airstrikes focusing on a water company on the outskirts of the city, according to multiple sources. Shaam News reported that Russian warplanes used cluster bombs to target the water facility, killing seven non-combatants, injuring 70 more

Summary

First published
March 2, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 7
(1 child2 men)
Civilians reported injured
20–71
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

March 1, 2016

Incident Code

RS700

LOCATION

الزعينية, Al Zou’ainiyah, Idlib, Syria

Up to four people died and at least 10 were injured when a ballistic missile hit Al Zou’ainiyah – though reports are conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russian warships or the Assad regime. Alaraby reported that Russian warships stationed in the Mediterranean launched ballistic missiles on Al Zou’ainiyah, resulting in three

Summary

First published
March 1, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(0–2 women2–4 men)
Civilians reported injured
10–13
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
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 1, 2016

Incident Code

RS699

LOCATION

المسطومة, Al Mastumah, Idlib, Syria

One man and his granddaughter died in strikes on the village of Al Mastumah according to local sources – though these were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime, with only one report attributing the incident to Moscow. Shaam News Network reported that “Activists in Idlib province documented

Summary

First published
March 1, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
7–9
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, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS698

LOCATION

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

One male civilian died when an alleged Russian airstrike targeted the Homs road in Deir ez-Zor, according to the Violations Documentation Centre and Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently. LCCSY reported that “Amir Ismaeil al-Harbek from Deir Ezzour city was martyred as Russian warplanes launched an airstrike on a vehicle carrying workers going to an

Summary

First published
February 29, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS696

LOCATION

رسم عبود, Rasm Aabed, Aleppo, Syria

One adult male civilian was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on the village of Rasm Aabed, according to the Violations Documentation Centre. No further details are currently available.  

Summary

First published
February 29, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS697

LOCATION

الحميدية, Hamidiya (Deir ez-Zor), Deir Ezzor, Syria

Three or four civilians were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Hamidiya, according to local sources. Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently said two homes were destroyed killing 2 adult males.The victims were also named by the Violations Documentation Centre. According to Alarabay, tens of other civilians were also injured. All4Syria reported that Russia had

Summary

First published
February 29, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
Civilians reported injured
10
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

February 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS695

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

One adult male was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Raqqa, according to local sources. The victim was listed by Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently. He was also listed by Syria2011 and Syrian Human Rights Committee, both of whom blamed Russia.  

Summary

First published
February 28, 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

February 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS694

LOCATION

جسر الشغور, Jisr al Shughour, Idlib, Syria

One woman and her unborn child were killed and up to 20 other civilians injured in airstrikes on Jisr al Shughour, according to local sources. Two alleged that Russia was responsible. However a third (the Syrian Network for Human Rights) blames the Assad regime. Shaam News reported that Russian warplanes carried out air raids targeting

Summary

First published
February 28, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
13 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS693

LOCATION

جمعية الهادي, Jamiyat al Hadi, Aleppo, Syria

Up to 13 civilians including three or four children died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Jamiyat al Hadi and Babis, according to multiple local sources. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said seven civilians including three women and four children were killed in an aerial bombardment, adding that there were reports of five others

Summary

First published
February 28, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 13
(4 children2–4 women)
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, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS692

LOCATION

قبتان الجبل, Qabtan al Jabal, Aleppo, Syria

One male civilian, named by the Violations Documentation Centre as 40-year-old Qasem Mahmoud Samoa, died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Qabtan al Jabal according to local sources. Activists told the Shaam News Network there were “several air raids on the towns of Anadan, Kafr Hamra, Hraytan and Ma’arat al Arteek in the northern countryside and

Summary

First published
February 28, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS691

LOCATION

حلب, Aleppo, Syria

The Violations Documentation Center named a male nurse from Nawa in Dara’a as a victim in Aleppo – though did not specify exactly where he was killed. According to Syria2011, “the nurse Khalil Ibrahim Ghada’an al Jahmani was killed due to his wounds sustained when Russian planes targeted one of the hospitals in Aleppo yesterday.”  

Summary

First published
February 27, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
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

February 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS690

LOCATION

الليرامون, Liramon, Aleppo, Syria

According to the Violations Documentation Centre, four civilians including three women died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Liramon. The four victims were named by the VDC. No further details are currently available.  

Summary

First published
February 27, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(3 women1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS688 CS186

LOCATION

محيميدة, Mahimideh, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Up to three civilians were killed in an airstrike on Mahimideh according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the US-led Coalition was responsible. Euphrates post named two fatalities including an unidentified victim. It said that Russia was responsible. However, Al Jazeera and Lebanon360 alleged this was a Coalition

Summary

First published
February 27, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(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
Unknown, US-led Coalition
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS689

LOCATION

دارة عزة, Darat Izza, Aleppo, Syria

Eight civilians including one woman and three children died in Darat Izza, according to local sources. While most reports blame Russia, one alleges that the Assad regime was responsible. According to Al Jazeera, Russian shelling targeted a bakery. But LCCSY reported that the incident was carried out by the regime which shelled with rocket launchers.

Summary

First published
February 27, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8
(3 children1 woman4 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
8 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS687

LOCATION

معارة الأرتيق, Maarat Artik, Aleppo, Syria

Between two and five civilians including two children died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Maarat Artik, according to local sources. Multiple reports blamed Russia: Akhbar Alaan put the death toll at three including one child with four more civilians injured. AMC said that as many as five non-combatants perished. According to Syrian Press Centre,

Summary

First published
February 26, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 5
(2 children)
Civilians reported injured
2–4
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

February 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS684

LOCATION

تلبيسة, Talbisah, Homs, Syria

One 57-year-old woman died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Talbiseh and at least four other civilians were injured, according to local sources. Shaam News Network reported: “Two hours before the start of the ceasefire Russian planes carried out violent and intense air raids on the town of Talbissa causing the death of one woman and

Summary

First published
February 26, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
4
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS685

LOCATION

منق; منّغ, Meng, Aleppo, Syria

One woman, was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Meng, according to the Violations Documentation Centre. The 44-year-old victim was also named by the Syrian Human Rights Committee.  

Summary

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

Incident date

February 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS686

LOCATION

السلوم, Al Saloom, Aleppo, Syria

The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that eight civilians from a single family – including three children and two women – died when Russian warplanes allegedly shelled residential homes in Al Saloom. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said “six people were killed in warplane shelling in Al-Saloom village – five were from one

Summary

First published
February 26, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 8
(3 children2–3 women)
Civilians reported injured
10–15
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

February 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS683

LOCATION

كفر حمرة, Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, Syria

Seven to fifteen civilians including three children and two women were killed and ten more injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on Kafr Hamra, according to local sources. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that “alleged Russian warplanes shelled the residential houses in Kafr Hamra town in northern Aleppo suburbs which killed 7 individuals including

Summary

First published
February 26, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 15
(2–3 children2 women1 man)
Civilians reported injured
10
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

February 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS682

LOCATION

دارة عزة, Darat Izza, Aleppo, Syria

Nine civilians including three children and three women died in an airstrike on Darat Izza, according to local sources – though reports are conflicted as to whether Russia or the regime were responsible. Shaam News Network reported that “a family made up of three people was burnt to death  in the town of Darat Izza

Summary

First published
February 26, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9
(3 children3 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
9 named, 2 families identified
View Incident