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

February 17, 2017

Incident Code

RS1904

LOCATION

الجفرة, Al-Jafra, Aleppo, Syria

A number of civilians were reportedly killed in an airstrike on the ISIS-controlled village, al Jafra, Aleppo, according to local media sources. The only source for this incident, Local Coordination Committee of Syria, reported: “13 martyrs in Aleppo most of them killed in the Turkish raids on al bab and Russian raids on al Jafra“.

Summary

First published
February 17, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 13
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

September 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS1311

LOCATION

حي السكري, Sukkari (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

According to local media, a man named Mohammad Houri and an unidentified woman were killed, along with as many as 11 others, with dozens more wounded, by cluster bombs striking the al Sukkari neighbourhood in Aleppo. Some reports said the regime struck the neighbourhood, while others implicated Russian forces. Syrians News claimed the most casualties,

Summary

First published
September 23, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 13
(1 woman1 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, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
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

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

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

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

March 5, 2018

Incident Code

RS3171

LOCATION

جسرين, Jisreen, Damascus, Syria

Twelve named civilians including women and children were killed, and dozens were injured, in air and artillery strikes which hit the residential neighbourhoods in Jisreen. Sources blamed both the Syrian regime and Russia for the airstrikes. One source reported that there were dozens of airstrikes on the vicinity. As many as four children and six

Summary

First published
March 5, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
11 – 12
(4 children6 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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
12 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS1326

LOCATION

الباب, Al-Bab, Aleppo, Syria

Between six and 12 civilians died and dozens more were wounded in airstrikes on Al Bab city, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to who was responsible. There were allegations against Russia, the Syrian regime and one against the US-led Coalition. A number of sources noted that they had been unable

Summary

First published
September 23, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 12
(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, Syrian Regime, US-led Coalition
Named victims
1 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 26, 2015

Incident Code

RS196 CS151

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

Five to eight civilians including four children were reported killed, and 10 injured, when Russian warplanes allegedly launched several rockets on Hetten School in Raqqa, according to the Syrian Network for Human Rights. Ara News also blamed Russia. Syria Press Report (citing the Syrian Observatory) placed the death toll at 12 and said the attack was

Summary

First published
November 26, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 12
(5 children)
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
Unknown, US-led Coalition, Syrian Regime
Named victims
6 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 13, 2016

Incident Code

RS1143

LOCATION

حربنوش, Harbanush, Idlib, Syria

Between nine and 12 civilians including up to nine children died in an airstrike on Harbanush, according to local media – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Assad regime were responsible. According to Orient News, 11 civilians including seven children died in a Russian strike. Sky and Ahmed Shlar also pointed towards Moscow.

Summary

First published
August 13, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9 – 12
(7–9 children3 women)
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 8, 2018

Incident Code

RS3203

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

Between nine and 11 civilians were killed and others were wounded in air and artillery strikes on Douma, local media reported. Sources blamed both Russian warplanes and the Syrian regime for the raids. There were between four and 15 raids on the vicinity, with more than 20 artillery shells fired onto the residential neighbourhood. As

Summary

First published
March 8, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9 – 11
(3–4 women5 men)
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.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
10 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 24, 2017

Incident Code

RS2164

LOCATION

كفر تخاريم, Kafr Tkharim, Idlib, Syria

Between two and 12 civilians were killed – and four were wounded – in an airstrike on Kafr Takharim hospital, local media reported. All sources blamed Russian warplanes for the raid.  It must be noted there were two separate airstrikes on Kafr Tkharim on the 24th April 2017. One occurred in the mountainous region of al Duweila, and

Summary

First published
April 24, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 12
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

January 29, 2018

Incident Code

RS2944

LOCATION

معصران, Ma'saran, Idlib, Syria

As many as 12 civilians were killed, including a family of five, and dozens more were injured, in airstrikes on Ma’saran, according to local media. Sources either blamed Moscow for the strikes or “warplanes”. In raids which struck civilian housing, a mother and her four children were killed, in the middle of the night. Euphrates

Summary

First published
January 29, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 12
(4 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
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

January 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS475

LOCATION

الحسينية, Hussainiya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Nine to 12 civilians including up to six women and four children were killed and ten others injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on Hussainiya, according to multiple sources. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that Russian aircraft launches two rockets on the town, killing nine non-combatants. According to Deir Ezzor is Being Silently Slaughtered, Russian

Summary

First published
January 27, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9 – 12
(4–5 children4–6 women)
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
7 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 13, 2017

Incident Code

TS048 CS443 RS1834

LOCATION

تادف, Tadef, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Between two and 12 civilians were killed, and as many as 22 were wounded, in an air and artillery strike which hit the Daesh controlled area of Tadef, Aleppo. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, with two sources blaming the International US led Coalition, two blaming Syrian regime helicopters, and many more

Summary

First published
January 13, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 12
(0–2 children1–2 women)
Civilians reported injured
17–22
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Turkish Military, Syrian Regime, Russian Military, US-led Coalition
Named victims
6 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 8, 2015

Incident Code

RS132

LOCATION

مَعَرَّة النُّعْمَان, Maarat al Numan, Idlib, Syria

According to multiple sources, at least ten non-combatants died, and 30 were injured by alleged Russian warplanes struck the popular market in the centre of Ma’arat Al Numan. The Syrian Network for Human Rights blamed the regime for the alleged raids, but a member of The White Helmets, who came to the scene, told SN4HR Russian

Summary

First published
November 8, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 12
(10–12 men)
Civilians reported injured
30
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
11 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS1753

LOCATION

Aguil, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Between two and 12 civilians were killed, and others were wounded, in alleged Russian raids on Aguil, Aleppo. All sources blamed Russian warplanes for the alleged raids.  Only one source put the death toll as high as 12, one other putting it at two and most others four. According to sources, vacuum missiles were used in

Summary

First published
December 6, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 12
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

December 7, 2016

Incident Code

RS1770

LOCATION

حي الكلاسة , Al Kalassa neighbourhood, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Twelve civilians died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Aleppo’s Al Kalassa neighbourhood, local media reported. According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, “12 victims died in suspected Russian warplanes missiles fired on Al Kalasa neighborhood in Aleppo city, December 7, 2016.” LCCSY also put the death toll at 12 and blamed Russia. Halab

Summary

First published
December 7, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
12
Civilians reported injured
2–10
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
1 named
View Incident