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 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS536

LOCATION

تدمر, Palmyra, Homs, Syria

As many as 11 civilians were killed and 30 injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on Palmyra, according to local sources. Shaam News Network reported that nine civilians, mostly women and children, were killed in a bombardment by Russian warplanes. It said there were several raids, mainly focused on the Al Wadi road. The Coordinating Committee of

Summary

First published
February 3, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 11
(1 child4 women3 men)
Civilians reported injured
30
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, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 8, 2016

Incident Code

RS569

LOCATION

كفر حمرة, Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, Syria

In a news roundup, Shaam News Network alleged that Russian warplanes launched “intense air raids using cluster bombs on the towns of Anadan, Hraytan, al Tamoura, Mang, Tal Mssibain, Ma’arat al Arteek,Hayan, Bayanoun, Kafr Hamra, Kafr Naya, Miskan and the area of Qabr al Inglisi [the english tomb]. The raids led to the fall of

Summary

First published
February 8, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
12
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 13, 2016

Incident Code

RS602

LOCATION

صيدا, Saida, Daraa, Syria

According to the Violations Documentation Center, one adult male civilian was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Saida. The victim was also named by We All Horan, which blamed Russia. According to Qasioun, one civilian died and dozens more were injured in Russian strikes on the town.

Summary

First published
February 13, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 17, 2016

Incident Code

RS634

LOCATION

الشيخ علي, Sheikh Ali, Aleppo, Syria

Three civilians including one child died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Sheikh Ali, according to local sources. Al-Arabiya blamed Russia, reporting an “unspecified number of dead including children“. Shahba Press also put the death toll at three, including a child – and also attributed the incident to Russia. According to a 40-minute programme by

Summary

First published
February 17, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child)
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 24, 2016

Incident Code

RS666 CS183

LOCATION

البوكمال, Al Bukamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between one and four civilians died in an airstrike on al Bukamal according to local sources – though reports are conflicted as to whether Russia or the US-led Coalition were to blame. SyrianPC said four non-combatants died in a Russian shelling of “oil separators in the Al-Hajjana area”. Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently also

Summary

First published
February 24, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 4
(1–4 men)
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS698

LOCATION

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

One male civilian died when an alleged Russian airstrike targeted the Homs road in Deir ez-Zor, according to the Violations Documentation Centre and Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently. LCCSY reported that “Amir Ismaeil al-Harbek from Deir Ezzour city was martyred as Russian warplanes launched an airstrike on a vehicle carrying workers going to an

Summary

First published
February 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

March 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS730

LOCATION

ماضي, Maadi, Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians including one woman died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Maadi, Aleppo, according to local sources. Ana Press reported that a Russian strike “resulted in casualties and injuries among civilians and massive destruction of the residential buildings”. The victims were also named by Syrian Human Rights Committee and other sources.  

Summary

First published
March 12, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 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

April 24, 2016

Incident Code

RS762

LOCATION

الصاخور, Al Sakhour (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Up to 12 civilians including two children and two women died and 15 others were injured in airstrikes on Sakhour according to multiple sources – though they were unclear as to whether the raids were carried out by Russia or the Assad regime. Shaam News Network reported that regime and Russian aircraft continued to strike

Summary

First published
April 24, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 12
(2 children2 women1 man)
Civilians reported injured
15–30
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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS795

LOCATION

الشحيل, Al Shaheel, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Up to 15 civilians including four children died and up to 20 were injured in an airstrike on a health facility at Al Shaheel town, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. The Shaam News Network reported that amid intensive

Summary

First published
May 11, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
12 – 15
(4 children7 men)
Civilians reported injured
11–20
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
13 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS828

LOCATION

أريحا, Ariha, Idlib, Syria

One woman died and between two and eight other civilians were injured in  airstrikes on Ariha, according to local sources. While most sources said that Russia was responsible, LCCSY blamed the Assad regime. The Shaam News Network reported that one woman was killed and two other civilians injured in Russian strikes on Ariha. Other sources,

Summary

First published
June 2, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2–8
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, Unknown
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS860

LOCATION

الشحيل, Al Shuhail, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between three and six civilians including at least two children and one woman died in a airstrike on Al Shuhail, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently put the death toll at six. Some of their reports

Summary

First published
June 6, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 6
(2 children1 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
Named victims
3 named
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

June 20, 2016

Incident Code

RS924

LOCATION

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

Between five and eight civilians including one child and up to four women died – and many more were wounded – in airstrikes on Tareeq al Bab, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Assad regime were to blame. Many local sources reported that between four and

Summary

First published
June 20, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 8
(1 child3–4 women1 man)
Civilians reported injured
6–24
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
6 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS958

LOCATION

المسرب, Al Masreb, Deir Ezzor, Syria

At least four civilians, including two children and one woman, were killed in airstrikes on the village al-Mashreb, reported local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible for the deaths. Most sources, including Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently, al-AMAWI, Baladi News and the Syrian Network

Summary

First published
June 29, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(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

July 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS990

LOCATION

Turmanin, Idlib, Syria

Alleged Russian warplanes struck an oil market on the road between Termanin and Darat Ezza causing huge fires, chaos and destruction on July 11th 2016 and killing up to 20 civilians, according to sources on the ground. Reports referred to the attack as a “massacre” due to the level of destruction and high death toll.

Summary

First published
July 11, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 20
(3 men)
Civilians reported injured
15–20
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 19, 2016

Incident Code

RS1022 CS273a

LOCATION

إدلب, Idlib, Syria

In what has been described as a massacre, committed by both Russian and Assad regime and coalition warplanes, between 10 and 23 civilians were killed and as many as 35 more wounded on July 19th in Idlib city. Other sources claimed that the Coalition was involved in the incident. According to Shaam News Network the

Summary

First published
July 19, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 23
(1 child1 woman)
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
Unknown, Syrian Regime, US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

July 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS1054

LOCATION

Jel al Omar, Homs, Syria

Local media reported that a woman and her two daughters died and the father was badly injured in an airstrike on Jel al Omar. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and Arabstoday pointed towards Russia, though the Syrian Press Center didn’t identify the warplane responsible. There are no other details available at this time.

Summary

First published
July 26, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 children1 woman)
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, Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

January 11, 2017

Incident Code

CS439 RS1827

LOCATION

سراقب, Saraqib, Idlib, Syria

Between 10 and 25 fighters of the militant group Fatah al Sham were killed – as well as a civilian policeman – and as many as six other people were injured, following an alleged airstrike in Saraqib. It is not clear whether or not the injured were civilians or members of Fatah al Sham. Sources are conflicted as

Summary

First published
January 11, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
0–6
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

July 23, 2017

Incident Code

CS1257 RS2361

LOCATION

الشميطية, Shumeteya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Three civilians from one family died (a father, his son and his daughter) and up to 20 more people were wounded in airstrikes in Shumeteya, according to local sources. No reports pointed directly at the Coalition – though several referred to unidentified “warplanes”. Other sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of

Summary

First published
July 23, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 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
US-led Coalition, Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 14, 2017

Incident Code

CS1487 RS2446

LOCATION

مراط, Mrat, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One civilian died in an airstrike on Mrat, according to local media – though it was unclear who was to blame for this death. According to Syrianoor, “Activists confirmed that more than 100 civilians – mostly children and women – died during four massacres committed by Russian warplanes and international coalition aircraft in the city

Summary

First published
September 14, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 20, 2017

Incident Code

CS1679 IRS001

LOCATION

القريا, Al Quoriya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Two civilians were reportedly killed by a drone strike in al Qouriya, local media said, though neither source has said who was responsible. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that “two men were killed and another was wounded after being targeted by a drone in the al-Quriyah area”. Sharqiya Voice provided some more detail,

Summary

First published
November 20, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child)
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
US-led Coalition, Syrian Regime, Russian Military, Iranian Military
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 5, 2016

Incident Code

RS1103

LOCATION

Ein Tarma, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians died in an airstrike on Ein Tarma, according to sources on the ground – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. SCDrifdimashq also listed this man and said that a second ‘unknown martyr’ died. According to Smart, “a child was injured by regime artillery”.

Summary

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

August 13, 2016

Incident Code

RS1135

LOCATION

شاميكو, Shamico, Aleppo, Syria

Between five and ten civilians died and more were wounded in airstrikes on Shamico, local media reported – though it was unclear whether Russia or the regime were responsible. According to Syria News Desk, “nine civilians were killed and others wounded at dawn today [Aug 13th], a result of Russian warplanes carrying out six raids

Summary

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

Incident date

August 19, 2016

Incident Code

RS1167

LOCATION

الراموسة, Ramousa, Aleppo, Syria

Between three and nine non-combatants died and dozens more were injured in an airstrike on a bus or cars carrying civilians on the road between Khan Tuman town and the Al Ramoseh neighbourhood of Aleppo city, local media reported. All but one source attributed the event to Russia. The Syrian Network for Human Rights said

Summary

First published
August 19, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 9
(1 woman)
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

August 30, 2016

Incident Code

RS1200

LOCATION

معرة مصرين, Maarat Masreen, Idlib, Syria

Between four and 10 civilians died and up to 35 more were wounded in airstrikes on a popular vegetable market in Maaret Masreen, local media reported – though sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. However, most sources agreed that cluster bombs had been used in

Summary

First published
August 30, 2016
Last updated
January 10, 2023
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 10
Civilians reported injured
20–35
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
Geolocation
Exact location (via Airwars)
View Incident

Incident date

September 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS1232

LOCATION

مَعَرَّة النُّعْمَان, Maarat al Numan, Idlib, Syria

One civilian died and up to three others were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Maarat al Numan in Idlib, according to local media. Halab Today reported: “A civilian was killed and others wounded in Ma’arat Al-Nu’man due to warplanes shelling with cluster bombs” The Syrian Network for Human Rights also reported the use

Summary

First published
September 6, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2–3
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 13, 2016

Incident Code

RS1264

LOCATION

البزاعة, Bazaa, Aleppo, Syria

Between one and three civilians including two children died and up to 20 more were wounded in airstrikes on Bazaa village, according to local media. The majority of sources attributed the event to Russia – though there was also one allegation against the Syrian regime. LCCSY, Syrian Network for Human Rights and Syrian Press Center

Summary

First published
September 13, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(2 children)
Civilians reported injured
18–20
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 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS1297

LOCATION

Al Maysar, Aleppo, Syria

Between one and three civilians were killed in the al Maysar neighbourhood of Aleppo following heavy air strikes with cluster bombs, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russian warplanes or regime helicopters were to blame. @ShahbaPress, @Step_Agency, SNN, and @ALAMAWI all tweeted that one civilian was “martyred” in the

Summary

First published
September 21, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
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 24, 2016

Incident Code

RS1329

LOCATION

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

Between seven and 25 civilians were reportedly killed and up to 75 more injured in airstrikes on the Bustan Al Qasr neighbourhood in Aleppo, according to local media – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. The majority of sources attributed the event to Russia. The Syrian Network for Human

Summary

First published
September 24, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 25
Civilians reported injured
75
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 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS1361

LOCATION

Qadi Askar, Aleppo, Syria

Between two and four people were killed in airstrikes on Qadi Askar in Aleppo, according to sources on the ground. AMC reported that two children were killed, while The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said “at least one child” had died, while AleppoAMC put the number at four. Most sources didn’t name the belligerent, though

Summary

First published
September 28, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
(1–4 children)
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
View Incident