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 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS583

LOCATION

جبل الزاوية (ابلين), Jabal al Zawiya, Idlib, Syria

Between five and nine civilians including one child died and at least 15 more were injured in an airstrike on Jabal al Zawiya, according to local sources. While most alleged this was the work of Russia, one said the regime was responsible. Al Souria said that Russia was responsible, putting the death toll at six

Summary

First published
February 9, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 9
(1 child1 woman0–7 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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
8 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 15, 2016

Incident Code

RS616

LOCATION

كلجبرين‎, Kaljabreen, Aleppo, Syria

Between six and ten civilians including three to four children and one woman were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Kaljabreen, according to local sources. Shaam News Network reported that Russian warplanes targeted a school for sheltering displaced people in Kaljabreen, “causing a horrific massacre“. According to an initial report by the Syrian Network for

Summary

First published
February 15, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 10
(3–4 children1 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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 20, 2016

Incident Code

RS648

LOCATION

أبو الظهور, Abu al Duhur, Idlib, Syria

One 15-year-old girl, was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Abu Dhuhur, according to the Violations Documentation Center. However, according to Smart News Agency, the regime carried out a raid on the town.  

Summary

First published
February 20, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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

RS680

LOCATION

زاكية, Zakiya, Damascus, Syria

A single source, Damascus Center for Human Rights Studies, reported the death of Hatem Abu Mohammad due to “indiscriminate Russian warplane shelling“. No further details are currently available.

Summary

First published
February 26, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS712

LOCATION

فيخة, Fikha village, Aleppo, Syria

Three non-combatants including a child died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Fikha, according to local sources. Syriashuhada said three unidentified civilians died in a Russian strike. HNN also put the death toll at three, attributing the incident to Russia. According to Alamwai a child was among the three fatalities, though didn’t say who carried

Summary

First published
March 6, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child)
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 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS744

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

The Violations Documentation Center named two civilians, Zahra Fihan, and her son Mohammad Abdullah al-Rashed, as killed in an alleged Russian airstrikes on Raqqa. The victims were also named by Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently, which blamed Russia.  

Summary

First published
March 26, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 woman1 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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS776

LOCATION

الصاخور, Al Sakhour (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

In a summary of Russian raids carried out on April 28th, LCCSY said three civilians had died in two strikes on Sakhour. RFS News also blamed Russia, reporting “a martyr and a number of wounded in Russian shelling by missiles on Al-Sakhur”. However, several other sources blamed the regime instead. According to the Syrian Network,

Summary

First published
April 28, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS809

LOCATION

حريتان, Hraytan, Aleppo, Syria

Between nine and 13 civilians including four children were reported killed  – and 20-24 others were wounded – in an alleged Russian airstrike on the Al-Thar’ra bakery in Hraytan, according to local sources. Among the victims were personnel and customers of the bakery, including four children. The strike also hit several cars that were parked nearby,

Summary

First published
May 27, 2016
Last updated
July 5, 2023
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9 – 11
(1 child)
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 belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
9 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS842

LOCATION

الشيخ خضر, Sheikh Khudar (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

One or two civilians died in an air or artillery strike on Sheikh Khudar, according to local sources – though reports are conflicted as to whether Russia was repsonsible or the Syrian regime. The Shaam News Network, reported on alleged Russian raids with warplanes and helicopters across Aleppo and its surrounding countryside. It said that this coincided

Summary

First published
June 3, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
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

June 7, 2016

Incident Code

RS874

LOCATION

الموحسن, Muhassan, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Five civilians including two or three women and one child died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Muhassan, according to local sources. Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently named two female victims and alleged “they were killed in Russian Raids”. Gulfeyes named two additional victims (though did not identify the warplanes responsible). Additionally, LCCSY reported on June 11th that

Summary

First published
June 7, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(1 child2–3 women1 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
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 15, 2016

Incident Code

RS906

LOCATION

كفر حلب, Kafr Halab, Aleppo, Syria

Between two and seven civilians including up to six children died in an airstrike on Kafr Halab, according to local reports, though it is unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. @Almntaseballah and @samir_maleh reported Russian raids on the town but didn’t mention civilian casualties. @shoaamd tweeted that a mother and her four children were

Summary

First published
June 15, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 7
(1–6 children1 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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS940

LOCATION

بنش, Binnish, Idlib, Syria

Airstrikes killed up to two civilians including at least one child and wounded up to ten others in the city of Binish, local media said. Sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Syrian regime. Most local sources reported the death of up to two children. According to The

Summary

First published
June 26, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1–2 children)
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

July 5, 2016

Incident Code

RS972

LOCATION

حيان, Hayan, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian died in an airstrike on Hayan, local media said – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. Naser Altamimi tweeted that “Russian and Syrian warplanes hit Hayan”, while the Shaam News Network said that “Russian warplanes and regime helicopters launched intense and violent raids on the towns

Summary

First published
July 5, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 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 belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 14, 2016

Incident Code

RS1004

LOCATION

كفر حمرة, Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, Syria

The only surviving hospital in Kafr Hamra was struck and put out of service in alleged airstrikes by Russian and Syrian regime warplanes, which also reportedly killed up to ten civilians and wounded 20 more. Local news sources called the building Al Balad, and claimed it was a makeshift hospital, but the last remaining one

Summary

First published
July 14, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 10
(1 child4 men)
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
Unknown, Syrian Regime
Named victims
6 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS1036

LOCATION

ضهرة عواد, Dahrat Awwad, Aleppo, Syria

Alleged Russian warplanes and/or Assad regime helicopters were both reported to have dropped missiles on the neighbourhood of Dahrat Awwad, killing between 10 and 17 civilians and wounding at least 15 more. According to Ara News, 13 civilians were killed and “10s were injured”. A local news source put the number of killed civilians as

Summary

First published
July 23, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 17
(1–2 children1–2 women)
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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

July 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS1068

LOCATION

Abeen Saba'an, Aleppo, Syria

Up to 11 civilians were killed and dozens more wounded in an airstrike on Abeen Saba’an, according to local media – though sources are conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Syrian regime. Step News Agency, Syrian News Desk, Taha_Alhlo, and the Syrian Network for Human Rights all attributed the

Summary

First published
July 29, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 11
(2 children2 women2 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
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 7, 2017

Incident Code

CS928

LOCATION

طريق السده ا, Al Sadda road, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between 9 and 10 civilians died in an airstrike on a van or small bus near the Al Sadda road, Al Quriya, Deir Ezzor, according to local media. While most sources blamed the Coalition (which confirmed targeting a vehicle in the province on the day), one outlet alleged that Russia was responsible. Sound and Picture,

Summary

First published
June 7, 2017
Last updated
March 24, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9 – 10
(4 men)
Civilians reported injured
4–10
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
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
Named victims
9 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 2, 2017

Incident Code

CS1322 RS2381

LOCATION

قرية التبني, Al Tabani, Shihah junction and other locations, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Up to 20 civilians died and dozens more were wounded in airstrikes on the village of Al Tabani, according to local media – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Coalition were to blame. Rami asssaf, @Ahmad_Zahlan and @HAMZH7711 blamed the Coalition, with @Ahmad_Zahlan reporting that white phosphorus had been used. However, the majority

Summary

First published
August 2, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
12 – 20
(3 children3 women)
Civilians reported injured
12–36
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
8 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 2, 2017

Incident Code

CS1564 RS2583

LOCATION

Abu Kamal, al Mohadatha school, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between 11 and 15 civilians including an entire family died and dozens more were wounded in a reported airstrike near the al Mohadatha school in Abu Kamal, according to local media. Sources, however, were conflicted as to whether the US-led Coalition or Russia were to blame. A number of reports did not identify the warplanes

Summary

First published
October 2, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
11 – 15
(5 children2 women7 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
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
Named victims
9 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS1085

LOCATION

كفرتخاريم, Kafr Takharim, Idlib, Syria

One woman died in an airstrike on Kafr Tkharim and the surrounding countryside on the August 2nd, according to sources on the ground. Most sources attributed the event to Russia, though one said that barrel bombs had been dropped on the area, meaning that regime involvement can’t be ruled out. LCCSY and Baladi Network both

Summary

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

Incident date

August 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS1117

LOCATION

مَعَرَّة النُّعْمَان, Maarat al Numan, Idlib, Syria

At least five and as many as 11 civilians, including three children were killed by air raids carried out on August 10th in Maarat al Numan, local media reported. Additionally, ten to 30 other civilians were wounded from the air raids.The Shaam News Network identified the planes as being Russian warplanes. However, Alsouria and @Maaramc12

Summary

First published
August 10, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 11
(3 children)
Civilians reported injured
10–30
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

August 15, 2016

Incident Code

RS1149

LOCATION

الرحيبة, Al Rahiba, Damascus, Syria

Four named civilians died and up to 20 more were wounded in strikes on the northern neighbourhood of Al Rahiba town, Damascus, local media reported – though it was unclear whether Russia or the regime were to blame for the casualties. According to Syria News Desk, “Russian warplanes launched five raids on al Rahiba town

Summary

First published
August 15, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
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
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 22, 2016

Incident Code

RS1181

LOCATION

الرستن‬, Ar-Rastan, Homs, Syria

One named child died and up many more civilians were wounded in airstrikes on Rastan, according to sources on the ground – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. LCCSY reported one “child martyr and the critical wounding of other civilians in airstrikes on residential

Summary

First published
August 22, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 child)
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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS1214

LOCATION

فيلون, Filon, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians died and several others were wounded in an airstrike on Filon in Idlib governorate, according to sources on the ground – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. Both Halab Today and LCCSY attributed the event to Russia. However, Assabeel blamed the regime. Syrian News

Summary

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

Incident Code

RS1246

LOCATION

إدلب, Idlib, Syria

In a major civilian casualty incident, up to 65 civilians (of which 52 were named) including at least 10 children and 11 women from multiple families died and as many as 100 more were injured in airstrikes on Idlib city, which reportedly centred on a popular vegetable market in the city. The majority of reports

Summary

First published
September 10, 2016
Last updated
January 10, 2023
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
52 – 65
(10–22 children11–14 women14–16 men)
Civilians reported injured
24–100
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
60 named, 9 families identified
Geolocation
Nearby landmark
View Incident

Incident date

September 19, 2016

Incident Code

RS1279

LOCATION

ميادين, Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Five to six civilians including several children were killed in airstrikes on Al Mayadeen, outside Deir Al-Zour, local sources reported. All but one source blamed Russia for the event. Step News said “four civilians were killed and others injured in a similar raid targeting al Jaish street and Al Haram street near al Saraya in

Summary

First published
September 19, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 6
(1–3 children4 men)
Civilians reported injured
11–15
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
5 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS1311

LOCATION

حي السكري, Sukkari (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

According to local media, a man named Mohammad Houri and an unidentified woman were killed, along with as many as 11 others, with dozens more wounded, by cluster bombs striking the al Sukkari neighbourhood in Aleppo. Some reports said the regime struck the neighbourhood, while others implicated Russian forces. Syrians News claimed the most casualties,

Summary

First published
September 23, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 13
(1 woman1 man)
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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 25, 2016

Incident Code

RS1343

LOCATION

الصاخور, Al Sakhour (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Between one and 15 civilians were killed in either Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the Al Sakhour neighbourhood of Aleppo, local media reported. Microsyria reported 15 civilians were killed in the raids. According to Almesryoon, civilian infrastructure was struck by Russian jet, including “popular markets and bakeries”. Hassannkanjo wrote on Twitter: “Russian aviation targets

Summary

First published
September 25, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 30, 2016

Incident Code

RS1375 CS319

LOCATION

البصيرة, al Basira, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between four to 20 civilians were reported killed and 12 or more injured after an alleged Coalition, Russian or Assad regime strike at al Basira, according to local media. A photograph published by Euphrates Post showed what appeared to have been a major strike in a built up area of the town. And a video

Summary

First published
September 30, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 20
(3 children3 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, US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

October 5, 2016

Incident Code

RS1409

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

Five civilians including a woman and a child died in alleged Russian or regime airstrikes on Douma, according to sources on the ground. A further 20 non-combatants were claimed wounded. Syria News Desk reported: “five civilians: a child, a disabled man, an old man, a woman and a young man children and disabled and elderly

Summary

First published
October 5, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(1 child1 woman)
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
5 named
View Incident