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 28, 2015

Incident Code

RS202

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Shaykhun, Idlib, Syria

Two sisters and their mother were among four civilians killed in an alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrike on Khan Sheikhoun, according to reports. Local journalist Bassel al Darwish said “Assad’s criminal planes and Russia” were responsible for the deaths. The FSA and the Damascus Centre blamed the regime. And Syria 2011 and the local

Summary

First published
November 28, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(2 children1 woman1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Unknown, Syrian Regime
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 6, 2015

Incident Code

RS234

LOCATION

زملكا, Zamalka, Damascus, Syria

Up to 20 civilians were reported killed – including 6 to 7 children and 2 women – and about 40 injured in an alleged Russian airstrike with vacuum missiles on Zamalka, according to multiple sources. Al Jazeera reported that 12 civilians including two children died in the attack, while All4Syria said nearly 50 non-combatants died or

Summary

First published
December 6, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
18 – 20
(7 children3 women9 men)
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
Named victims
18 named, 3 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 12, 2015

Incident Code

RS267

LOCATION

الأتارب, Al Atarib, Aleppo, Syria

Between 14 and 20 civilians, including three women and two children, were killed and between two and 12 injured in airstrikes on Al Atarib, according to multiple sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether the attack was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. The Shaam News Network initially reported that four non-combatants,

Summary

First published
December 12, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
14 – 20
(2 children3 women13–14 men)
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
Named victims
19 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 22, 2015

Incident Code

RS300

LOCATION

بزينة, Bzeina, Damascus, Syria

Between 20 and 40 civilians were reported killed and dozens injured in devastating alleged Russian airstrikes on the village of Bzeina, according to multiple reports. While the destruction of the market and surrounding homes was extensive, the aircraft may have been targeting rebels. Videos filmed at the scene show some casualties and rescuers in military

Summary

First published
December 22, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
20 – 40
(13 men)
Civilians reported injured
40–200
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
13 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 30, 2015

Incident Code

RS332

LOCATION

خان السبل, Khan Subul, Idlib, Syria

One adult male, Bahaa Mohammad al-Sabouh (pictured) was reported killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Khan Subul. Step News said that “Russian planes launched several air raids on the town of Khan Subul and Mount Shahshabo from the southern countryside of Idlib, resulting in one civilian death in Khan Subul and several injuries among civilians.” However

Summary

First published
December 30, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 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 belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS364

LOCATION

الشيخ علي, Sheikh Ali, Aleppo, Syria

Three civilians were killed when “warplanes believed to be Russian” bombed areas in Sheikh Ali village in the western countryside of Aleppo, according to local sources. The Syrian Observatory said there was “initial information about more casualties“, but did not specify. Al Burraq placed the death toll at three, with several injured.  

Summary

First published
January 11, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
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

January 15, 2016

Incident Code

RS396

LOCATION

الطعوس, Al Tao'ous, Aleppo, Syria

Up to 10 civilians died and dozens more were injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on the village of Al Tao’ous near Dayr Hafer, according to local sources – though one source points to possible involvement by the Assad regime. Syrian Press Center reported that nine civilians died and dozens more were injured in Russian strikes.

Summary

First published
January 15, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9 – 10
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
View Incident

Incident date

January 20, 2016

Incident Code

RS428

LOCATION

البيضاء, Al Bayda, Latakia, Syria

One civilian was killed and several others injured in an airstrikes on Al Bayda, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the regime were responsible. According to the Shaam News Network, this was the work of Russia. Syria News Desk reported testimony from a villager, Omar Malawi: “The Russian

Summary

First published
January 20, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

January 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS462

LOCATION

جرجناز, Jarjanaz, Idlib, Syria

Between four and five civilians including one child and three women died in airstrikes on Jarnaz, according to local sources. Five sources alleged that Russia was responsible, but a fifth – the Violations Documentation Center – blamed the Assad regime. Syria 2011 said that four died and a number were wounded when rockets were fired

Summary

First published
January 26, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
(1 child3 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
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS494

LOCATION

الصالحية, Al Salhiya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Five non-combatants reportedly died and several others were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike near the entrance to the the town of Al Salhiya, according to Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently. No further details are currently available.  

Summary

First published
January 28, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
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 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS530

LOCATION

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

Shaam News Network reported that several civilians were killed and several more injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on neighbourhoods in Deir ez-Zor: “Russian raids were carried out on the towns of Hatla, Tahtani, Ayyash, Al Husseiniya, Al Janina, Al Hessan, Al Mheimdieh, Al Khareeta, Al Baghiliya, Al mayadeen and also on neighbourhoods in Deir Ezzor

Summary

First published
February 2, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
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

February 7, 2016

Incident Code

RS563

LOCATION

طابية شامية, Tabya Shameih, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between three and four children and one woman died in alleged Russian airstrikes on Tabya Shameih, according to local sources. In a news brief, the Syrian Network for Human Rights said two victims (children) “died in suspected Russian warplanes missiles fired on Tabiyet Al Sham town in Deir Ez-Zour governorate eastern countryside, February 7, 2016.”

Summary

First published
February 7, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(2–3 children1 woman)
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
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS596

LOCATION

الغنطو, Al Ghantu, Homs, Syria

Between 14 and 16 civilians died including one woman and up to four children in alleged Russian airstrikes on Al Ghantu, according to local sources. The Shaam News Network reported “an appalling massacre” in Al Ghantu, which killed 16 non-combatants including members of the civil defence who rushed to the location of the first raid

Summary

First published
February 12, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
14 – 16
(4 children1 woman13 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
13 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS628

LOCATION

أعزاز‎, A`zaz, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian, from Sheikh Miskeen in Dara’a, was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Aleppo, according to the Violations Documentation Centre. Syria Martrys also named the victim and blamed Russia.  

Summary

First published
February 16, 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 24, 2016

Incident Code

RS660

LOCATION

زملكا, Zamalka, Damascus, Syria

Five civilians including two to three children died in airstrikes on Zamalka according to local sources – though reports are conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. In a news roundup, Shaam News Network reported that “Russian enemy planes carried out intense strikes on the clash areas and

Summary

First published
February 24, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(2–3 children)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
5 named
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

March 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS724

LOCATION

تدمر, Palmyra, Homs, Syria

Several civilians died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Palmyra, according to local sources. Al Jazeera reported that “a number of people were killed, including women and children, as a result of dozens of continuous Russian air raids days ago on residential neighborhoods and archaeological city. others were injured in the city of Palmyra in

Summary

First published
March 11, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS756

LOCATION

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

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

Summary

First published
April 16, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9 – 17
(2 children1 woman9 men)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
8 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS789

LOCATION

حريتان, Hraytan, Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians died and between eight and ten were injured in airstrikes on Hraytan, according to local sources – though reports are conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. Activists told Shaam News Network that Russian warplanes targeted the city centre with vacuum missiles, killing two civilians and

Summary

First published
May 3, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
Civilians reported injured
8–15
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

May 30, 2016

Incident Code

RS821

LOCATION

الصاخور, Al Sakhour (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

A child was among at least three civilians killed – with others injured – in two alleged Russian airstrikes or regime artillery or helicopter strikes on the Al Sakhour neighbourhood of Aleppo. Shaam News Network published images from the neighborhoods of Al Sakhour and Tareeq al Bab following what it said were Russian strikes. According

Summary

First published
May 30, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 18
(1 child1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
6–18
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 5, 2016

Incident Code

RS854 CS224a

LOCATION

شعيب الذكر, Shai'eeb al Zakar, Raqqa, Syria

Five civilians including three children died in an airstrike on airstrike on Shai’eeb al Zakar, according to local sources though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible, with one report saying that the warplanes were thought to have belonged to the US-led Coalition. Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently blamed a

Summary

First published
June 5, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(3 children4 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
Unknown, Syrian Regime, US-led Coalition
Named victims
5 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS886

LOCATION

‏عينجارة‬, Anjara, Aleppo, Syria

Two children were killed in airstrikes on Anjara, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted and confused as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Syrian Regime. LCCSY initially reported that the strikes were Russian, killing two children and wounding other civilians when homes were targeted with cluster bombs. However,

Summary

First published
June 11, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
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
View Incident

Incident date

June 19, 2016

Incident Code

RS918

LOCATION

الثورة‎, Al-Thawrah (Tabaqah), Raqqa, Syria

A major civilian casualty event took place on al Tabaqa city in the Ar Raqqah countryside, reportedly killing at least six civilians and wounding as many as 40, including women and children. Sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Assad regime were to blame. Wwalfwasel reported that “more than 40 people” were killed, however

Summary

First published
June 19, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 40
(1–2 children1–2 women)
Civilians reported injured
30–35
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 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS952

LOCATION

منطقة كباني "الكبينة", Al Kabina area, Latakia, Syria

Airstrikes in the al-Kabina area outside of Lattakia led to the death and injury of several civilians, local media reported. According to Syria News Network “intense airstrikes by the Russian Aviation occurred alongside clashes which targeted areas controlled by the rebel regions. A number of civilians were killed and wounded, and civilian homes were targeted

Summary

First published
June 28, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
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

July 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS984

LOCATION

إبين, Abeen, Aleppo, Syria

In a major civilian casualty event, 20 named civilians – mostly women and children – died and up to 30 more were wounded in airstrikes on Abeen village, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime carried out the attacks. Syrian Press Centre, Al Jazeera, Smart

Summary

First published
July 10, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
20 – 24
(16–18 children1–4 women1 man)
Civilians reported injured
20–30
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Unknown, Syrian Regime
Named victims
20 named, 4 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 18, 2016

Incident Code

RS1016

LOCATION

القاطرجي, Al Qaterji (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Up to 11 civilians including three children died and 15 more were wounded in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrike which destroyed a four-story residential building in Aleppo’s Al Qaterji neighbourhood, local media reported. According to BNN, earth missiles and cluster bombs were both used in the airstrike. Smart News blamed Russian warplanes for

Summary

First published
July 18, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 11
(3 children2 men)
Civilians reported injured
15
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Unknown, Syrian Regime
Named victims
6 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 25, 2016

Incident Code

RS1048

LOCATION

السخنة, As Sukhnah, Homs, Syria

A family reportedly died in As Sukhnah, local media reported – though it was unclear whether they were killed in a Russian airstrike or an action by the Syrian regime. Syriamubashar was among a number of sources which blamed Russia, reporting that “one person was killed and others wounded due to Russian warplanes shelling in

Summary

First published
July 25, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 4
(1 child1 woman2 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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 13, 2016

Incident Code

CS190 RS734a

LOCATION

أبو قلقل, Abu Qalqal, Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians were reported killed in an airstrike on the town of Abu Kalkal. Opinion was split as to whether the attack was Russian, Coalition or Syrian regime in origin. Daesh-linked Al A’amaq Media, the Syrian Observatory, the Syrian Network, the Syrian Human Rights Committee, Shaam News and al Hall Media all said the attack

Summary

First published
March 13, 2016
Last updated
March 21, 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
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

July 18, 2017

Incident Code

CS1229 RS2349

LOCATION

معدان, Ma'adan, Raqqa, Syria

Three people were reportedly wounded following airstrikes in Ma’dan on the eastern border of Raqqa governorate. However it was contested as to who was responsible. One source, Shaam News Network, claimed that the airstrikes caused a “massacre” and that 12 civilians were killed. However it was at odds with nine other sources which reported the

Summary

First published
July 18, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 12
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
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

September 14, 2017

Incident Code

CS1480

LOCATION

IDP camp near Jadid Akeidat, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A major civilian casualty incident allegedly took place at an IDP camp near Jadid Akeidat, Eastern Deir Ezzor countryside. Al Yaqeen reported about 100 displaced people were killed, mostly women and children, following an alleged aerial bombardment by the US-led Coalition at the camp (pictured). However this was contested – with Euphrates Post asserting that

Summary

First published
September 14, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
100 – 120
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
Named victims
2 named
View Incident