Russian Military in Syria

A Russian combat aircraft at Khmeimim airbase in Syria being prepared for action. (Russian Ministry of Defence)

Belligerent
Russian Military
Country
Syria
start date
end date
Civilian Harm Status
Belligerent Assessment
Declassified Documents
Infrastructure

Incident date

February 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS524

LOCATION

عندان, Anadan, Aleppo, Syria

Between six and eight civilians were killed including two to four children, one to two women and two members of the Red Crescent – and dozens more injured – in alleged Russian airstrikes on Anadan, according to local sources. Shaam News Network reported that Russian forces launched “about 50 airstrikes” which including cluster munitions, targeting

Summary

First published
February 2, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8
(2–4 children1–2 women3 men)
Civilians reported injured
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

February 7, 2016

Incident Code

RS558

LOCATION

عندان, Anadan, Aleppo, Syria

Between three and five civilians died in alleged Russian airstrikes on Anadan, according to local sources. The victims included members of a family who had returned to Anadan to bury their two children killed in a strike on Kafr Hamra on February 7th, listed above. The Shaam News Network reported that five were killed and

Summary

First published
February 7, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 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 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS590

LOCATION

الصالحين, el Salheen, Aleppo, Syria

According to a single source, the Damascus Center for Human Rights Studies, three civilians died in an alleged Russian airstrike on the Salheen neighborhood of Aleppo. The victims were named by the Center.  

Summary

First published
February 10, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(0–3 men)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS623

LOCATION

جاسم, Jassem, Daraa, Syria

Three civilians (one man and his two children) died in an airstrike on Jassem, according to local sources – though reports are conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. Shaam News Network reported three deaths – “a father and his two children” – and blamed Russia. It also

Summary

First published
February 16, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 children1 man)
Civilians reported injured
1
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

February 22, 2016

Incident Code

RS655

LOCATION

ابطع, Ibta', Daraa, Syria

One adult female was killed in an airstrike on Ibta’, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the regime. The VDC named the victim and said she died “in a Jordanian hospital due to her wounds sustained by the regime air forces’ shelling”

Summary

First published
February 22, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS687

LOCATION

معارة الأرتيق, Maarat Artik, Aleppo, Syria

Between two and five civilians including two children died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Maarat Artik, according to local sources. Multiple reports blamed Russia: Akhbar Alaan put the death toll at three including one child with four more civilians injured. AMC said that as many as five non-combatants perished. According to Syrian Press Centre,

Summary

First published
February 26, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 5
(2 children)
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
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS719

LOCATION

تدمر, Palmyra, Homs, Syria

One woman and her child died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Palmyra, according to multiple sources. Shaam News Network reported that a girl was killed and several others injured in dozens of alleged Russian airstrikes on Palmyra. It published a video showing bombing on neighbourhoods – though it is not clear whether this is

Summary

First published
March 10, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 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
View Incident

Incident date

April 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS751 CS201

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

At least five and as many as 20 civilians were reported killed and 53 injured after heavy alleged Coalition, Russian and/or Syrian regime night time strikes on Raqqa. Most sources allege that these were Coalition and regime raids – with the Coalition responsible for those after midnight and the regime for early morning strikes. Coalition

Summary

First published
April 10, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility, School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 20
(1–3 children1–4 women3 men)
Civilians reported injured
53
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Unknown, US-led Coalition, Syrian Regime
Named victims
9 named, 3 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

April 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS784

LOCATION

الصاخور, Al Sakhour (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Local sources reported about continued airstrikes in al-Sakhour, Aleppo, that killed up to five civilians, including one child and wounded up to four. Sources were constesting regarding the cultprit, pointing to both the Assad regime and Russia. Shaam News Network, reported “For the eighth day in a row Assad’s and Russian aircraft continue to pour

Summary

First published
April 29, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 5
(1 child1 woman)
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
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS816

LOCATION

‏الكبر‬, Al Kiber, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A civilian male named as Sahir Attallah al Ayyad died from injuries sustained in a reported Russian airstrike on al Kiber “two months earlier.” No additional details are presently known, including the precise date of death.    

Summary

First published
May 29, 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

June 4, 2016

Incident Code

RS849

LOCATION

كفر حلب, Kafr Halab, Aleppo, Syria

A family of five died in an airstrike on the village of Kafr Halab, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. The White Helmets reported that a family of five died and several other civilians were injured alleged Russian strikes on Kafr Halab. It

Summary

First published
June 4, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(2 children1 woman1 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
Unknown, Syrian Regime
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS881

LOCATION

حي ‏الجزماتي‬, Al Jazmati (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Three civilians including a child and a woman died and dozens more were injured when non-combatants’ homes were struck by airstrikes in the Al Jazamati neighborhood of Aleppo, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted or unclear as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Syrian regime. LCCSY blamed Russian strikes

Summary

First published
June 9, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
3–24
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
1 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 17, 2016

Incident Code

RS913

LOCATION

الباب, Al-Bab, Aleppo, Syria

Two named civilians died in an alleged Russian airstrike on al Bab, according to local media. Activists speaking to syrianpc news  said that Russian warplanes launched strikes on residential buildings in the city of Al Bab, killing two civilians and wounding five others. A number of sources which reported the incident did not identify the

Summary

First published
June 17, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 woman1 man)
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
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS947

LOCATION

سراقب, Saraqib, Idlib, Syria

One civilian died and another eight were wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes on Saraqib, local sources on the ground reported. According to Baladi, “Warplanes launched two raids targeting residential neighborhoods in the city with Saraqib, resulting in martyrs and eight wounded, White Helmets teams went to the place and worked to dig out one the

Summary

First published
June 27, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2–8
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

July 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS979

LOCATION

حريتان, Assiya (Hraytan), Aleppo, Syria

Four members of the Civil Defence Service were killed while traveling from Anadan to rescue civilians in Assiya, according to sources on the ground. The Step News Agency said that the Civil Defence team were specifically targeted with a missile. Al Jazeera claimed that it was the Syrian regime who were shelling various areas of

Summary

First published
July 9, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(4 men)
Civilians reported injured
5–8
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS1011

LOCATION

أعزاز‎, Izaz, Aleppo, Syria

A Civil Service Defence Quarter was put out of service when two warplanes fired missiles on Izaz, Aleppo, a town close to the Turkish border in northern Aleppo. Up to  five civilians including a child reportedly died in the attack, which caused extensive destruction to the building and injured several Civil Defence workers. Ara News

Summary

First published
July 16, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 5
(1 child)
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 24, 2016

Incident Code

RS1043

LOCATION

الأتارب, Al Atarib, Aleppo, Syria

Up to 22 civilians died and dozens more were wounded in airstrikes on civilian homes and the main market in Al Atarib, according to local media – though it is unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. Many sources alleged that both parties carried out tens of strikes. LCCSY, for example, said

Summary

First published
July 24, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 22
(1 woman6 men)
Civilians reported injured
12–65
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
View Incident

Incident date

July 30, 2016

Incident Code

RS1075

LOCATION

مَعَرَّة النُّعْمَان, Maarat al Numan, Idlib, Syria

Five civilians died and several more were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Maarat al Numan, according to local sources. Syrian Press Center, Smart News Agency, Zakaria Nassani, Eldorar, Iraqsunahnews, RFS, EMC and LCCSY all blamed Russia. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
July 30, 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

July 8, 2017

Incident Code

CS1173 RS2327

LOCATION

الموحسن, Muhassan, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One woman possibly died in an airstrike on Mohsen village, according to local media – though it’s currently unclear who was responsible for her death. None of the sources specifically blamed the Coalition, with many referring only to “warplanes” carrying out strikes on the Al-Zaeem roundabout and the perimeter of Al-Wasat School. However, Tt1463000 said

Summary

First published
July 8, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
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
US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 24, 2017

Incident Code

CS1412

LOCATION

Deir Ezzor, Syria

A woman was named as killed in an airstrike on Deir ez-Zor, though sources were conflicted as to who was responsible for her death. The majority of sources blamed either Russia or the regime, however, Hasaka Rasd and Euphrates Post did not apportion blame.  

Summary

First published
August 24, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 1, 2017

Incident Code

CS1657 RS2668

LOCATION

البصيرة, Al Busayrah, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Two named civilians died and up to 23 others were wounded in an airstrike on al Busayrah according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether the US-led Coalition or Russia were to blame. Baladi, Jisr TV and Sharqiya Voice all blamed the Coalition. Euphrates Post reported “the martyrdom of the young

Summary

First published
November 1, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
Civilians reported injured
4–23
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
5 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS1092

LOCATION

كفر حمرة, Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, Syria

Alleged Russian shelling killed two civilians in Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, according to sources on the ground. According to Baladi News, a rocket was reportedly seen in the vicinity. Further to this, Smart News said that it was specifically a missile strike which killed two civilians and wounded six others. A number of sources didn’t identify

Summary

First published
August 3, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
Civilians reported injured
6
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
View Incident

Incident date

August 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS1124

LOCATION

الراموسة, Ramousa, Aleppo, Syria

At least one civilian was killed and four others were injured in airstrikes and artillery fire on the Ramousa neighbourhood in Aleppo, local media reported. Most sources attributed the airstrikes to Russian aircraft, which reportedly carried out eight air raids, though there was also an allegation against the Assad regime. Syrian Network for Human Rights

Summary

First published
August 11, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
1–4
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS1156

LOCATION

دارة عزة, Dara Azza, Aleppo, Syria

Several civilians died and up to 20 more were wounded in airstrikes on Dara Azza in Aleppo, according to local media. The majority of sources blamed Russia – though there were also allegations against the regime – and focused on a strike on a field hospital. Other outlets reported more widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure

Summary

First published
August 16, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
Civilians reported injured
2–20
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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS1188

LOCATION

حي المشهد, Al Mashad (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Between three and five civilians died and dozens more were wounded in airstrikes on Aleppo’s Mashhad neighbourhood, according to local media – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the regime. Local media outlets said that a popular bakery had been struck. LCCSY initially reported that Russia carried

Summary

First published
August 23, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 5
(5 men)
Civilians reported injured
7–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

September 4, 2016

Incident Code

RS1221

LOCATION

الأنصاري, Al Ansari (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Two or three civilians died and 10 more were wounded in shelling of Aleppo’s Al Ansari neighbourhood, local media reported – though it is unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. According to Ara, Russia carried out an airstrike killing three civilians and wounding more than 10 others. Halab News also pointed to

Summary

First published
September 4, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
Civilians reported injured
2–10
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

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

September 19, 2016

Incident Code

RS1286

LOCATION

الفردوس, Al Fardous (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Local media reported at least one and as many as four dead as a result of either Russian airstrikes or regime shelling in the al Ferdos neighborhood of Aleppo on September 19th. Almodon News said that “Russian fighter jets bombed the eastern districts of Aleppo,” including al Ferdos. Smart News and Alaraby News both used

Summary

First published
September 19, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 4
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

September 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS1318

LOCATION

المعادي, Al Ma'adi, Aleppo, Syria

Two or three civilians were killed in the al Ma’adi neighbourhood of Aleppo on September 23rd by a bombing raid, local sources reported. Reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Assad regime was to blame. Halab News Network said three civilians died and named two of them. Extremely graphic photographs from @AleppoAMC showed

Summary

First published
September 23, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(2 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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 25, 2016

Incident Code

RS1350

LOCATION

حي طريق الباب, Tareeq al-Bab (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Between ten and 18 civilians were reportedly killed in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the Tareeq al Bab neighbourhood of Aleppo. IranArabSpring also reported the death of one man as a result of cluster bombs and posted a picture of him. LCCSY reported ten civilians dead and others wounded. Syrian Press Center added that

Summary

First published
September 25, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 18
(2 children)
Civilians reported injured
2–5
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