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

January 10, 2017

Incident Code

RS1819

LOCATION

الشخ علي, Al Sheikh Ali, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Between two and seven civilians were wounded following an alleged Russian airstrike on Al Sheikh Ali, Aleppo. Most sources blamed Russia for the raids, with some attributing no blame. It was reported that despite their being no deaths, two of the victims were seriously injured, and were transferred to hospitals in Turkey. According to Syria News

Summary

First published
January 10, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
Civilians reported injured
2–7
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

July 27, 2022

Incident Code

R4453

LOCATION

كفرتعال, Kafr Taal, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian, a young man, was injured when Russian or Syrian regime forces shelled Kafr Taal in the western Aleppo countryside on July 27th 2022.  There is no further information at this time.

Summary

First published
July 27, 2022
Last updated
July 29, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
1
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
View Incident

Incident date

November 6, 2022

Incident Code

R4485

LOCATION

مدينة أريحا, Ariha, Idlib, Idlib, Syria

On November 6th, 2022, between one and two civilians were reportedly injured as a result of a bombing by artillery and/or missile shelling on the outskirts of Ariha city, South of Idlib. The injured were either described by local sources as a child and/or as a woman. Syria TV noted that “two civilians were wounded

Summary

First published
November 11, 2022
Last updated
November 17, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
1–2
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 target
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

June 12, 2023

Incident Code

R4517

LOCATION

افس, Afes, Idlib, Syria

On Monday June 12th 2023, an alleged missile strike by Assad regime forces and Russia hit the village of Afes in the eastern countryside of Idlib, injuring between one and three civilians, including two children. Sources including @SyriaCivilDefe and @hadikhraat twitter accounts, and Zaman Al Wasl reported three civilians being hit by shrapnel, including a

Summary

First published
June 12, 2023
Last updated
June 26, 2023
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
1–3
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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 2, 2023

Incident Code

R4551

LOCATION

كفرتعال, Kafr Ta’al, Aleppo, Syria

A resident of Kafr Ta’al in Western Aleppo died after being wounded in an artillery shelling — allegedly fired by the Syrian regime and/or Russian military — on the morning of September 2, 2023. Civilians had rushed the injured Abdu Ahmad Qudur to a hospital, where he died the same day. Teams from the Syrian Civil

Summary

First published
September 2, 2023
Last updated
February 6, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 9, 2017

Incident Code

RS1953

LOCATION

كفر داعل, Kafr Da'el, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

A number of civilians were wounded in an alleged cluster bomb attack on Kafr Da’el, Aleppo, local media reported. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame; some pointed to Russia while others accused the Syrian regime. There are no specific numbers reported killed. According to Smart, the wounded were transferred to a medical point.

Summary

First published
March 9, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
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

October 7, 2023

Incident Code

R4590

LOCATION

طراف مدينة إدلب, Idlib, Syria

On the evening of Saturday, October 7th, 2023, at least one civilian man was wounded on the outskirts of Idlib, Syria, in the bombardment allegedly perpetrated by the Russian military and/or Syrian regime forces.  However, some sources reported that a number of civilians were injured. The Syrian Civil Defense, also known as the White Helmets,

Summary

First published
October 7, 2023
Last updated
April 19, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
1–2
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
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

April 3, 2017

Incident Code

RS2068

LOCATION

كفرناها, Kafr Naha, Aleppo, Syria

An unspecified number of civilians were wounded in air and artillery strikes on Kafr Naha – though it was unclear whether Russia or the regime were to blame. Syria_ar noted that the “Al-Rahal Society” in the town was struck. According to the Step News Agency, “Russian air raids targeted Kafr Naha and its outskirts and

Summary

First published
April 3, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
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 23, 2017

Incident Code

RS2159

LOCATION

مجبينة, Majbina, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

An unspecific number of civilians were injured – according to local sources – in an airstrike on Majbina, Aleppo. Two out of three sources blamed Russia for the raid. HalabnewsNetwork reported “warplanes” were to blame.  There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
April 23, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
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

April 10, 2017

Incident Code

RS2112

LOCATION

إدلب, Idlib, Syria

Two consecutive airstrikes in Idlib city, believed to be executed by Russian warplanes, allegedly wounded two civilian women and caused significant damage to property and infrastructure. The Idlib governorate had seen an intensification of bombardments in the days before, despite the announced truce previous December.  There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
April 10, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

June 21, 2017

Incident Code

RS2296

LOCATION

الجنينة, Al-Ginena, Al Hussan and Al Baghiliya villages, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A single source, the Smart News Agency, reported that an unspecified number of civilians were wounded by alleged Russian warplanes on an airstrike in Al-Ginena, Al Hussan and Al Baghiliya villages. The source reported that “the aircraft bombed civilian houses in the villages of Al-Geneina, Hussan and Baghiliya (6 km west of Deir Al-Zour city),

Summary

First published
June 21, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
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

October 25, 2017

Incident Code

RS2658

LOCATION

مخيم الفكة, Al-Fakka camp, Idlib, Syria

Several civilians were wounded following alleged Russian airstrike on Al-Fakka camp, local media said. Sources all blamed Russian warplanes for the strikes. There were no reports of civilians deaths. Images showed material damage to tents and property. One local source, Syrian Reporter, said that the strikes were “intensive and continuous” – and blamed Russian occupation

Summary

First published
October 25, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
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

November 8, 2017

Incident Code

RS2706

LOCATION

رملة, Ramla, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Several civilians were wounded in airstrikes at various locations in Aleppo including the villages of Al-Sayyala, Maizliya and Ramla and other areas in the southern countryside of Aleppo. Sources blamed both the Syrian regime and Russia. Smart News Agency – who reported Russia as culpable for the raids – was the only source to report

Summary

First published
November 9, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
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

December 24, 2017

Incident Code

RS2811

LOCATION

ابومحالة, Abu Mahala village in Al Hamra district, Hama, Syria

Several civilians were injured by intense aerial shelling of Abu Mahala, Hama, local media reported. All sources blamed Russia. While no reports mentioned the exact number of injured, sources merely reported that a number of civilians were left wounded. The strikes were reportedly part of a larger shelling that day. Masar Press News reported “more

Summary

First published
December 24, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
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

February 1, 2018

Incident Code

RS2957

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

At least one civilian was injured following an airstrike and/or artillery shelling of Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, local media reported, though it was unclear who and what was to blame. Most sources reported that Russia had carried out airstrikes in the city, causing injuries among the civilians. One of the wounded was identified by name by

Summary

First published
February 1, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
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, Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 17, 2018

Incident Code

RS2909

LOCATION

الزربة, Al-Zerba, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

One to two civilians were wounded in airstrikes which struck Al-Zerba, Aleppo, according to local media. Sources all blamed Russian warplanes for the strikes. Thiqa News Agency reported that two raids “targeted” civilian homes in the early hours of the morning. Members of the Syrian Civi Defence were quick to rescue casualties and take them

Summary

First published
January 17, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
1–2
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

January 30, 2018

Incident Code

RS2947

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

As many as 12 civilians were wounded in airstrikes which struck residential housing in Khan Sheikhoun, according to local media. Sources blamed both the Syrian regime and Russia for the raids. Media reported that five civilians were buried alive under the rubble, and other seven were harmed in the streets by the same raids. Upsetting

Summary

First published
January 30, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
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

January 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS478

LOCATION

محيميدة, Mahimideh, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently claimed Russian planes returned and targeted a funeral procession which was being held “for the martyrs of the massacre carried out by the Russian in the village of Mhimideh a few hours ago.” Al Jisir TV also reported that the town was hit with a second wave of Russian attacks.

Summary

First published
January 27, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
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

July 1, 2018

Incident Code

RS3506

LOCATION

المسيفرة, al Massifra, Daraa, Syria

An elderly woman was reported killed in alleged Russian forces or Syrian regime forces airstrikes on Al Musayfrah in Dara’a on July 1st, 2018 according to local sources. Hajja Aisha Muhammad Taha Al-Zoubi was reported killed. Fatima Hamidi posted on Facebook “The martyrdom of hajja Aisha Al-Muhammad in the town of Al-Musayfrah, after her body was

Summary

First published
July 1, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 15, 2018

Incident Code

RS3280

LOCATION

سقبا, Saqba, Damascus, Syria

Between eight and 10 civilians died in an alleged Russia or regime airstrike on Saqba, according to sources on the ground. Eight civilian fatalities were named, though Harak Al ghoutani said “more than 10 civilians” died. Most sources blamed Russia; however, there were also reports of barrel bombing, meaning that the regime can’t be ruled

Summary

First published
March 15, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 10
(8 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, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 19, 2018

Incident Code

RS3311

LOCATION

مخيم الزوف, Al Zof camp, Idlib, Syria

At least four civilians were injured in an alleged Russian forces airstrike on Al Zouf Refugee Camp in Idlib on the borders with Turkey, on March 19th, 2018 According to local sources. Edlib Media Center (EMC) said that four civilians were injured after a rocket carrying cluster bombs was launched from a Russian battleship Mediterranean

Summary

First published
March 19, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
0–4
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
Belligerents reported injured
3–4
View Incident

Incident date

March 27, 2018

Incident Code

RS3347

LOCATION

الهبيط, Al Habit, Idlib, Syria

Shaam Network reported that “Russian and Syrian regime warplanes launched air strikes on the cities and towns of Barah, Kafrnbell, Mhmbel, Alia, Nukir, Habit, Altmanah and Hass and Kafroma” in Idlib, Syria on March 27th, 2018, “causing deaths and injuries among civilians”. While @abduhaveez and @RFS_mediaoffice blamed the Syrian regime for the airstrike on Al

Summary

First published
March 27, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
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
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

March 31, 2018

Incident Code

RS3367

LOCATION

اللطامنة, Al Lataminah, Hama, Syria

According to a single source, the Shaam News network, “Russian warplanes carried out heavy air raids accompanied by heavy shelling and shelling on the towns and villages” including Al Lataminah. The strikes reportedly led to an unspecified number of injuries among civilians. RFS Media reported that the “Syrian regime forces targeted  the city of Al

Summary

First published
March 31, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

September 8, 2018

Incident Code

RS3546

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

A woman was reported killed, and a Syrian Civil Defence photographer and a volunteer got injured when Russian forces or Syrian regime forces targeted a center for White Helmets in Khan Sheikhoun in Idlib on Sep 8th, 2018, according to local sources. Step News said that “The Russian warplanes launched several air raids on the

Summary

First published
September 8, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
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
Suspected target
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

March 2, 2018

Incident Code

RS3146

LOCATION

كفرزيتا, Kafar Zita, Hama, Syria

An unspecified number of civilians were wounded due to airstrikes in Kafar Zita. Sources did not attribute blame, however this raid occurred at the same time as the allegedly join Russian and Syrian regime raid on “village of Hawija, west of Hama, Latmeen Village north of Hama, and the cities of Al Latamna and Kafarzita”.

Summary

First published
March 2, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
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

July 2, 2019

Incident Code

RS3863

LOCATION

معرة النعمان, Ma’aret Al Nu’man, Idlib, Syria

Three civilians were reported injured, including a child, in airstrikes on Ma’aret Al Nu’man, Idlib, on July 2nd. Syrian Coalition News stated that “activists said that three people were injured, including a child, this morning in the bombing of Maarat al-Nu’man in rural Idlib”, and named Russian forces and the Syrian regime in reporting the incident.

Summary

First published
July 2, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
3
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
View Incident

Incident date

September 29, 2017

Incident Code

RS2562

LOCATION

كفر ناصح, Kafr Naseh, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Smart News reported that four civilians were lightly injured as a result of aerial bombardments using cluster munition on the town of Khafr Nasseh. Other sources also mentioned that an unspecified number of civilians were injured – and pointed to Russia as the culprit.

Summary

First published
September 29, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
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
View Incident

Incident date

July 19, 2019

Incident Code

RS3918

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians were injured when alleged Russian or Syrian airstrikes struck residential neighborhoods in Khan Sheikhoun in Idlib, according to local sources. According to the Syrian Civil Defense forces, the attack was carried out from a helicopter that dropped 20 explosive barrels and used artillery and rocket fire including 26 air-to-surface missiles and 2 rockets

Summary

First published
July 19, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
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
Suspected target
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

June 28, 2018

Incident Code

RS3485

LOCATION

المسيفرة, Al Musayfrah, Daraa, Syria

Up to 70 civilians including women and children were reported killed in Al Musayfrah in Dara’a on June 28th, as a result of alleged multiple Russian forces or Syrian regime airstrikes on a residential building or a group of shelters that host a group of families, according to local sources. Also dozens of civilians were injured

Summary

First published
June 28, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 70
(5–12 children)
Civilians reported injured
12–38
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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 9, 2018

Incident Code

RS3214

LOCATION

حمورية, Hamouriya, Damascus, Syria

A single source reported that both Russian and Syrian regime warplanes fired heavy air and artillery strikes on Hamouriya, causing an unspecified number of injured civilians. The Shaam News Network said: “Russian warplanes and the Assad helicopters launched fierce air raids accompanied by artillery bombardment and a very violent missile strikes, resulting in a terrible

Summary

First published
March 9, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident