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 18, 2016

Incident Code

RS1620

LOCATION

بلدة حريتان, Hraytan town, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Up to 10 civilians were killed and “dozens” injured in an airstrike on Hraytan, Aleppo, according to a report by the Step News Agency. Step said: “More than ten killed and dozens injured – most of them women and children – and survivors were pulled out from under the rubble following Russian raids on the

Summary

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

November 21, 2015

Incident Code

RS184

LOCATION

حي طريق السد, Tareeq al Sadd, Daraa, Syria

Ten non-combatants, including five women and four children, were killed in an airstrike on the Tareeq al Sadd (Dam Road) neighborhood in Dara’a, according to multiple reports. The Union of Hama Rebels stated that one child, Limar Mirzo al-Teani, was killed in the alleged raid, while Shaam News Network posted a video depicting the dead bodies of a

Summary

First published
November 21, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10
(4 children5 women1 man)
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 belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
10 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 17, 2016

Incident Code

RS633

LOCATION

الباب, Al-Bab, Aleppo, Syria

Between four and ten civilians died in alleged multiple Russian airstrikes on Al Bab, according to local sources. Asharq Al-awsat reported that ten civilians were killed, though didn’t say who was responsible for the strikes. Dummar media office said Russian warplanes had carried out six raids but didn’t provide casualty numbers. However, a tweet by

Summary

First published
February 17, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 10
(0–1 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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 29, 2017

Incident Code

RS2662

LOCATION

الحميدية, Hamidiya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between seven and ten civilians were killed – including two children, a woman and two men, and “dozens” more were injured, following airstrikes on Hamidiya. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. Most blamed Russian warplanes, however one blamed the Syrian regime, and another reported that Russian and “other planes” bombed the vicinity.

Summary

First published
October 29, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 10
(2 children1 woman1–2 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, Unknown
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 11, 2017

Incident Code

CS569 RS1963

LOCATION

مسكنة, Maskanah, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Between eight and ten civilians died and up to 16 others were wounded in an airstrike on Maskana, according to local sources – though field reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of the Coalition, the Syrian regime or Russia. The Coalition later denied involvement. Syria News said that “According to activists,

Summary

First published
March 11, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 10
(0–2 children0–2 women)
Civilians reported injured
14–16
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

October 6, 2017

Incident Code

RS2604

LOCATION

الهزاعة, Al-Hazaa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between seven and ten civilians were killed, including women and children, and “dozens” more were wounded, following alleged Russian airstrikes on Al-Hazaa, according to sources on the ground. The incident allegedly occurred in the afternoon following Friday prayers, according to local media, and struck civilian homes and water wells. Multiple sources reported that this was

Summary

First published
October 6, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 10
(2 women4 men)
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
7 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 28, 2019

Incident Code

RS3729

LOCATION

كفر حلب, Kafar Halab, Aleppo, Syria

Up to 11 civilians, including three children and two women, were killed in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the town of Kafar Halab on May 28th, 2019, according to sources on the ground. 17 others were reportedly injured. According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, Syrian regime fixed-wing warplanes fired missiles on

Summary

First published
May 28, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 11
(1–3 children1–2 women1 man)
Civilians reported injured
17
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
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
Belligerents reported injured
17–20
View Incident

Incident date

May 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS815

LOCATION

تل الضمان‬, Tal al Daman, Aleppo, Syria

Between six and ten civilians including one child and two women died – and 20 more people were injured – in an alleged Russian airstrike on a popular market in Tal al Daman according to local sources. Activists told the Shaam News Network that Russian warplanes used cluster bombs to strike the market. It put

Summary

First published
May 29, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 10
(1 child2 women)
Civilians reported injured
17–20
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

October 18, 2016

Incident Code

RS1477

LOCATION

Al Sabha, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between two and 10 civilians died and several more were wounded in airstrikes on Al Sabha town in Deir Ezzor, according to local media. The majority of sources blamed Russia for the event, though there was also an allegation against the Assad regime. The lowest death count was given as two by LCCSY, who blamed

Summary

First published
October 18, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 10
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

July 24, 2019

Incident Code

RS3946

LOCATION

قرية طبيش, Tabish village, Idlib, Syria

In the evening of July 24th, 2019, alleged Russian or Syrian airstrikes caused what was described as “a horrific massacre” of an entire family in the village of Tabish near the city of Khan Sheikhoun in the southern countryside of Idlib. Local sources reported that the airstrikes struck residential houses in the village of Tabish

Summary

First published
July 24, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10
(3–4 children2–3 women4 men)
Civilians reported injured
10
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
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
10 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS357

LOCATION

حي العامرية, Al Ameria (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Between eight and 10 civilians including one to three children were killed and up to 15 injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on the Al Ameria and Al Sukkari neighbourhoods, according to multiple sources. The White Helmets said that eight civilians died and three were injured in a raid on Al Sukkari, but they did not state

Summary

First published
January 9, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 10
(1–3 children6 men)
Civilians reported injured
15
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
8 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS741

LOCATION

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

Ten civilians including four children died in airstrikes on Deir ez-Zor, according to local sources. Most reports blame the Assad regime. Shaam News said the strikes had been carried out by “Syrian and Russian planes”. It reported 20 injured non-combatants in addition to the ten killed. However, both Step News Agency and Baladi said that

Summary

First published
March 23, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10
(4 children1 man)
Civilians reported injured
20
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 1, 2016

Incident Code

RS1208

LOCATION

Mouhimidah, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between seven and 10 civilians including five children died in airstrikes on Muhimidah in Deir Ezzor, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. The majority of sources, including Alamawi, Mohamaed202054, Alsharqia24 and Euphrates Post, blamed Russia, with death counts varying between seven

Summary

First published
September 1, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 10
(5 children)
Civilians reported injured
10–20
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
5 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 20, 2016

Incident Code

RS1644

LOCATION

جبل بدرو, Jabal Badro, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Three civilians from the same family, including a woman, were killed by airstrikes targeting the neighbourhood of Jabal Badro, Aleppo, local media reported. Most sources pointed to Russia as the culprit, while SPM Syria and several other sources said that helicopters had dropped explosive barrels, meaning the regime could have been responsible. Several sources identified one of

Summary

First published
November 20, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 10
(1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
9
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
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 13, 2016

Incident Code

RS731

LOCATION

حي الصالحين, Salheen (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Between five and ten civilians died and 10 more were injured in an airstrike on Al Salheen which violated a ceasefire, according to local sources – though reports are conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the regime. Janobia reported that Russian raids on Al Salheen killed 10 civilians and wounded

Summary

First published
March 13, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 10
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
View Incident

Incident date

June 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS892

LOCATION

قباسين, Qabasin, Aleppo, Syria

Between six and ten civilians died and dozens more were injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on Qabasin, according to local media. According to the Shaam News Network, “Activists said Russian warplanes targeted a popular market crowded with civilians in the city of Qabasin, north of Al Bab city in the eastern Aleppo countryside, leaving six

Summary

First published
June 11, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 10
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
View Incident

Incident date

March 5, 2018

Incident Code

RS3172

LOCATION

حرستا, Harasta, Damascus, Syria

Between five and ten civilians were killed, and dozens were wounded (mostly women and children), in air and artillery strikes on Harasta, local media reported. Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids. @MOAZALSHAMY described the incident as a massacre; they attributed blame to Russia. The Step News Agency put the death

Summary

First published
March 5, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 10
(1 child8 men)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
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
8 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS1765

LOCATION

سَرْمِين, Sarmin, Idlib, Syria

Between five and 10 civilians, including three to five children, a woman, and three men, were killed and at least 15 others were injured in airstrikes against the town of Sarmin in Idlib, according to sources on the ground – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Assad regime were responsible. The

Summary

First published
December 6, 2016
Last updated
December 27, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 10
(3–5 children1 woman3 men)
Civilians reported injured
15–24
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
8 named
Geolocation
City
View Incident

Incident date

July 24, 2017

Incident Code

RS2363

LOCATION

Arbeen, Ghouta, Damascus, Syria

Between eight and 10 civilians including four to eight children and between one and two women died and as many as 50 others were wounded in multiple airstrikes on Arbeen in the Damascus countryside, according to sources on the ground. While several reports attributed this event to Russia, a number of sources didn’t identify the

Summary

First published
July 24, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 10
(4–8 children1–2 women)
Civilians reported injured
12–50
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

February 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS582

LOCATION

كفر خاشر, Kafr Kasher, Aleppo, Syria

Between two and ten civilians died in alleged Russian airstrikes on Kafr Kasher, according to local sources – though some didn’t identify the warplanes responsible. Shaam News Network reported that there had been dozens of Russia raids launched on February 9th on Aleppo, leaving more than three dead “in a number of areas Kfar Kheshr

Summary

First published
February 9, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 10
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 1, 2016

Incident Code

RS1209

LOCATION

Hussaynah, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between two and ten civilians including a woman and her child died in an alleged Russian airstrikes on Al Hussaynah, according to local media. Alamawi, Euphrates Post, Mkmoam123, Alnaba and Alsharqia24 all blamed Russia. Euphrates Post put the death toll as high as 10.

Summary

First published
September 1, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 10
(1 child1 woman)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS401

LOCATION

حي السكري, Sukkari (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Between four and 10 non-combatants including one woman and two to three children were killed, and more than 20 injured, in an airstrike on the Al Sukkari neighbourhood in Aleppo, according to local sources. The White Helmets reported that seven civilians (including one woman and two children) died when the raid targeted a children’s clinic. They did

Summary

First published
January 16, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 10
(2–3 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
20
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 12, 2018

Incident Code

RS3239

LOCATION

زملكا, Zamalka, Damascus, Syria

Between eight and ten civilians including four children were killed, while as many as 50 were wounded in airstrikes on Zamalka, local media reported. Sources attributed the blame to both Russia and the Syrian regime. The White Helmets were among some sources putting the death toll at four, with dozens more wounded. However, the Violations

Summary

First published
March 12, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 10
(4–5 children1 woman4–5 men)
Civilians reported injured
12–50
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

August 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS1123

LOCATION

ﺣﻠﺐ, Bazza square, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Reports estimated that between eight and 10 civilians were killed and an additional five to 13 more wounded, including two children, in airstrikes on Bazza square in Old Aleppo, according to local media. The majority of sources blamed the regime for the event, though one blamed Russia and a significant number of others didn’t identify

Summary

First published
August 11, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 10
Civilians reported injured
5–13
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS1522

LOCATION

ميزناز, Miznaz, Aleppo, Syria

Between eight and 10 civilians, including seven children and one woman, were killed and at least 12 were wounded from thermobaric missile airstrikes targeting the village of Minaz. However, local sources were conflicted as to who was responsible for the airstrikes. Syrian Network for Human Rights attributed Syrian regime planes to blame, while most other

Summary

First published
November 3, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 10
(3–7 children1 woman)
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

November 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS1549

LOCATION

مشمشان, Mashmashan, Idlib, Syria

Ten named civilians, including five children and two women, were killed in addition to “dozens” of injuries which included a child, in alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrikes that struck a residential area of Mashmashan village in Jabal al-Wasatani. The initial death toll was as high as eight civilians, however, Syrian Observatory for Human Rights

Summary

First published
November 9, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 10
(5 children2 women)
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
10 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 1, 2016

Incident Code

RS519

LOCATION

معدان, Ma'adan, Raqqa, Syria

Ten civilians including one child and two women were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Ma’adan, according to local sources. Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently reported that Russian airstrikes targeted the following areas of the town: “near Ma’adan garage; near Tah Kreiban school; near Al Farouq school [previously al Bourtoukala]“. According to the Syrian Observatory

Summary

First published
February 1, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10
(1 child2 women7 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
10 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 24, 2016

Incident Code

RS1501

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

Between four and 10 civilians including one child and one woman died and as any as 30 more were wounded in air and/or artillery strikes on Douma, according to local media – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame for the deaths, with sources reporting that both parties carried

Summary

First published
October 24, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 10
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
12–30
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
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS1253

LOCATION

حي بستان القصر, Bustan al Qasr (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Up to ten civilians died and as many as 20 more were wounded in air and artillery strikes on Bustan al Qasr, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. According to Shahed-ayan, “warplanes and artillery shelling in Bustan Al-Qaser killed 10 people and

Summary

First published
September 10, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 10
Civilians reported injured
10–20
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

November 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS1567

LOCATION

كفر داعل, Kafr Dael, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Between four and ten civilians were killed and up to 30 more were wounded, some critically, in airstrikes targeting Kafr Dael, Aleppo, described as “systematic bombing” by one report. According to sources, two of the victims were from the same family. There is confusion as to who is the blame for the alleged raids, with

Summary

First published
November 11, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 10
(3 children5 men)
Civilians reported injured
12–30
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
9 named
View Incident