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

November 11, 2021

Incident Code

R4412

LOCATION

أطراف معرة مصرين, vicinity of Ma'aret Misrin, Idlib, Syria

At least five civilians, including three children and a woman, were killed and six others, including two children, were injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on a home for displaced people in Ma’aret Misrin on November 11, 2021. According to the Syrian Civil Defense, five civilians, including three children and a woman, were killed and 6

Summary

First published
November 11, 2021
Last updated
January 27, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(3 children1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
6
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
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 3, 2020

Incident Code

RS4406

LOCATION

قميناس, Qmenas, Idlib, Syria

At least one civilian, a journalist, was injured in alleged Russian or regime strikes on Qmenas on February 3, 2020. A tweet from @LWMiMxsIhhMDCwA reported that “Syria TV correspondent Mustafa Al-Khalaf was injured, while covering the bombing of the regime’s militias on the village of Qmenas”. Syrian Network for Human Rights added that he was

Summary

First published
February 3, 2020
Last updated
February 15, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 4, 2019

Incident Code

RS3570

LOCATION

مزرعة المنطار, Al Mentar farm, Idlib, Syria

At 5am on January the 4th, an alleged Russian airstrike struck a farm in al-Mentar (Mazra’et Al Mentar) west of Khan Sheikhoun in the southern Idlib countryside injuring seven people, including a child and two women from the village of Al-Jibin, according to local media. Civil Defense Forces reportedly rescued the family who was trapped

Summary

First published
January 4, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
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
Named victims
7 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 6, 2022

Incident Code

R4465

LOCATION

شنان, Shanan, Idlib, Syria

Between one to four civilians were reported wounded as a result of artillery shelling reported to be from either Syrian regime or Russian forces.  The shelling targeted Shanan village in Jabal al Saweya, south of Idlib on September 6th 2022.  Most sources reported that one civilian, a woman, was injured, but @HalabTodayTV was the only

Summary

First published
September 6, 2022
Last updated
September 27, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
1–4
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

February 16, 2017

Incident Code

RS1897

LOCATION

النقير والركايا , An IDP camp, Idlib, Syria

According to the Shaam News Network, “Russian warplanes used rockets loaded with cluster bombs on the towns of al Nakir and al Rakaya, targeting a camp of IDPs in the area and leaving a number of wounded among the IDPs amidst continuous shelling of the are for the last two days.” Mozmjr0 and  Alikrarkaralso blamed

Summary

First published
February 16, 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

January 5, 2023

Incident Code

R4497

LOCATION

مخيم الفروسية, the Equestrian (Al Forosiyah) camp, Al Foua, Idlib, Syria

On January 5th 2023 local sources including the White Helmets reported that five civilians, including four children and one woman were injured when missile strikes contested from Russian or Syrian regime forces actions hit them in a resident house near the Al Fourousia camp on the outskirts of Al-Foua town, in the Idlib countryside. The

Summary

First published
January 5, 2023
Last updated
February 14, 2023
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian infrastructure
IDP or refugee camp
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
5
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
View Incident

Incident date

July 9, 2023

Incident Code

R4527

LOCATION

البارة, Al Bara, Idlib, Syria

On the morning of July 9, 2023, the town of Al Bara, Syria, was reportedly hit with shelling directed by Russian and/or Syrian government forces. As a result of this, three children were reported wounded, with one, a seven year old boy, subsequently dying due to his injuries. According to local sources, multiple civilian homes

Summary

First published
July 9, 2023
Last updated
August 21, 2023
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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 belligerent
Syrian Regime
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 23, 2023

Incident Code

R4557

LOCATION

سرمين, Outskirts of Sarmin, Idlib, Syria

During the evening of September 23, 2023, a missile strike killed two civilians (one elderly man and one woman) and injured two others (a child in critical condition and a man) in a displacement camp in the outskirts of Sarmin, east of the city of Idlib in northwest Syria. In a Facebook post by the

Summary

First published
September 23, 2023
Last updated
February 7, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian infrastructure
IDP or refugee camp
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 woman1 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
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 18, 2023

Incident Code

R4608

LOCATION

الكفير, Al-Kafir, western countryside of Idlib, Idlib, Syria

During the evening of Wednesday, 18th October 2023, Russian warplanes allegedly launched an airstrike that hit an out-of-service tank and a hay warehouse in a nearby building on the outskirts of Ishtabrag in the western countryside of Idlib, Syria, according to the Syrian Civil Defense. This led to the injury of a woman in the

Summary

First published
October 18, 2023
Last updated
June 28, 2024
Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian infrastructure
Agriculture
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Causes of injury / death
Accidents related to conflict, Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

March 31, 2017

Incident Code

RS2046

LOCATION

سرجة, Sarja, Idlib, Syria

At least two civilians were injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on the outskirts of Sarja in the southern Idlib countryside. Conflicting reports were given as to who was responsible for the airstrikes, with Idlib Media Centre and @eyadne61 identifying Russian planes as responsible while @RevoZamalka published that the airstrikes were believed to be carried out

Summary

First published
March 31, 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

May 1, 2017

Incident Code

RS2209A

LOCATION

كفربطنا , Kafar Batna, Eastern Ghouta, Damascus, Syria

Alleged Russia or Syria warplanes carried out air raids in Kafar Batna, Eastern Ghouta, wounding several civilians, local media reported. Enab Baladi reported through the civil defence that “three guided missile strikes and a cluster missile targeted the towns of Kafar Batna and Saqba in conjunction with the bombing of the town of Hamuriya, which

Summary

First published
May 1, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
2–4
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
View Incident

Incident date

August 13, 2017

Incident Code

RS2385

LOCATION

حمادة عمر, Hamada Omar, Hama, Syria

An unspecific number of civilians were wounded due to an aerial bombardment of Hamada Omar and the surrounding vicinity, according to local media. All the sources either attributed blame to Russia or did not attribute any blame. There are no reports of civilian fatalities. AE News reported that ” warplanes continude intensive shelling since yesterday

Summary

First published
August 13, 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

September 26, 2017

Incident Code

RS2529

LOCATION

بداما, Bdama, Idlib, Syria

At least five civilians were wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes against the town of Bdama in Idlib, according to activists. Smart News Agency was the only source to report on civilian injuries and they attributed the airstrikes to Russian planes. A mosque was damaged and images published show the extent of damage on the vicinity.

Summary

First published
September 26, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
Civilians reported injured
5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

May 4, 2019

Incident Code

RS3658

LOCATION

الجانودية, Al Ganoudia, Idlib, Syria

Alleged Russian or regime strikes struck the outskirts of the town of Ganoudia in the western countryside of Idlib. An unknown number of civilians including children were reported wounded on May 4th, 2019. Pro regime sources said that the attacks targeted Al-Nusra Front in the area, killing and injuring a number of its members.

Summary

First published
May 4, 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
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
Al Qaeda/HTS
View Incident

Incident date

July 4, 2019

Incident Code

R3302

LOCATION

بانص, Banss, Aleppo, Syria

Smart News Agency reported that two civilians were wounded in the explosion of remnants of a cluster bomb from a previous Russian forces and Syrian regime bombing in Banss, 55 km south of Aleppo, Syria on July 4th, 2018. Also @24Aleppo tweeted that “two people were injured due to the explosion of a cluster bombs

Summary

First published
July 4, 2018
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

January 19, 2018

Incident Code

RS2918

LOCATION

سلامين, Salameen, Idlib, Syria

Between six to eight civilians including children from one family were injured in airstrikes on Salameen, according to local media. Sources all blamed Russian warplanes for the strikes. Image published show children receiving medical treatment in the aftermath of the incident. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
January 19, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
6–8
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 1, 2019

Incident Code

RS3746

LOCATION

برقوم, Barqoum, Aleppo, Syria

An unknown number of civilians was reportedly injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the village of Al Barqoum, Aleppo governorate, on June 1st, 2019, according to Shaam News Network. Shaam News Network reported that “Russian and Assad’s warplanes launched airstrikes targeting the town of Al Atareb in the western countryside and the

Summary

First published
June 1, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
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 2, 2018

Incident Code

RS3439

LOCATION

بلدة حيان, Hayyan Town, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian was reported killed when a cluster bomb from alleged previous Russian shelling on Hayyan town in Aleppo’s western countryside exploded on June 2nd, 2018 according to local sources. Aleppo 24 said that “Mohammed Juma’a Omar Sharaq al-Zait, aged 42, was killed by the explosion of a cluster bomb from previous Russian bombing on

Summary

First published
June 2, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
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 17, 2018

Incident Code

RS3289

LOCATION

كفر نبودة, Kafar Nabouda, Hama, Syria

Four civilians were reportedly injured after an alleged Russian forces airstrike or Syrian regime artillery strike on Kafar Nabouda town in Hama, on March 17th, 2018, according to local media sources. Enab Baladi mentioned that the strikes had more likely been initiated by the Russian forces, while other sources blamed the Syria regime forces. It

Summary

First published
March 17, 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
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
View Incident

Incident date

March 26, 2018

Incident Code

RS3333

LOCATION

زرزور, Zarzour, Idlib, Syria

Alleged Russian airstrikes on the town of Zarzour, Idlib governorate, on March 26th, 2018, reportedly led to injured civilians, according to Shaam News Network. Shaam reported that “Russian aircraft launched fierce air raids on the cities and towns of Ariha, Al Taman’a, Harsh Abidin, Al Naqir and Harsh Al Habit in the southern countryside, and

Summary

First published
March 26, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Airstrike
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 belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

June 25, 2018

Incident Code

RS3460

LOCATION

بصر الحرير, Busr al Harir, Daraa, Syria

One civilians who worked as a Syrian civil defense volunteer was killed in alleged Russian or Syrian regime attacks on Busr Al Harir in Dara’a on June 25th, 2018. Local sources reported that he was rescuing injured people when the attack happened. @SCD_Daraa tweeted “The family of the Syrian Civil Defense in Daraa gives you

Summary

First published
June 26, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
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