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 19, 2016

Incident Code

RS1641

LOCATION

مرج الزهور, Marj Al Zuhur, Idlib, Idlib, Syria

Airstrikes, targeting the village of Marj al-Zuhour in the countryside of Idlib, killed up to nine civilians, reportedly from the same family, including one woman and three children, and injured up to another 24. Sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. Most sources put the death

Summary

First published
November 19, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 9
(3 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
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Named victims
1 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS372

LOCATION

الباب, Al-Bab, Aleppo, Syria

Eight to nine civilians including two women and four children were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Al Bab. SNN reported that alleged Russian warplanes shelled the residential houses northwest of Al Bab city in eastern Aleppo suburbs, under the control of ISIL. The IS agency Al A’maq also reported on the incident, stating that nine

Summary

First published
January 12, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 9
(4 children2 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

January 28, 2018

Incident Code

RS2937

LOCATION

سراقب, Saraqeb, Idlib, Syria

Nine civilians were killed, and dozens more were wounded, in airstrikes which hit a residential neighbourhood in Saraqeb in the morning, according to local media. Sources blamed both the Syrian regime and Russian warplanes for the airstrikes. According to sources, warplanes and helicopters hit the vicinity with more than 40 raids, with four explosive barrels.

Summary

First published
January 28, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 9
(2 children6 men)
Civilians reported injured
16–20
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
9 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 22, 2016

Incident Code

RS1664

LOCATION

المعادي, Al Ma'adi neighbourhood, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Between four and nine civilians – including one child – were killed, and others were wounded, in alleged Russian or Syrian regime raids on the Al Ma’adi neighbourhood, Aleppo, local media reported. All sources blamed the Syrian regime for the raid, except Halab News Network (HNN), who said that Russia was responsible. Additionally, all sources except

Summary

First published
November 22, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 9
(0–1 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
View Incident

Incident date

April 29, 2017

Incident Code

RS2200

LOCATION

كفرزيتا , Kafr Zita, Hama, Syria

Up to nine civilians including eight members of the civil defense died in alleged Russian and Syrian regime airstrikes in an “unprecedented bombing campaign” on Kafr Zita, according to local media. Eight of the victims were killed in a strike on a civil defense shelter, including Hassan Hammoud Arfat, a paramedic and Ahmad Nayef al

Summary

First published
April 29, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 9
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
7 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 17, 2015

Incident Code

RS287

LOCATION

الباب, Al Bab, Aleppo, Syria

Between four and nine civilians were reported killed and 2 to 25 injured in an airstrike on Al Bab, according to multiple sources – though it is unclear whether regime shelling or Russian warplanes were responsible for the attacks. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that four non-combatants were killed and several others injured when warplanes

Summary

First published
December 17, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 9
Civilians reported injured
2–25
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

Incident date

July 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS1025

LOCATION

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

Between six and nine civilians died in alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrikes on Aleppo’s Al Mashhad neighbourhood, according to sources on the ground. The majority of reports, including Al Jazeera, Buraq Media and Syrian PC, blamed the Assad regime for the airstrikes. According to reports, there was both shelling and the use of explosive barrels

Summary

First published
July 21, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 9
Civilians reported injured
20–25
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

Incident date

April 8, 2017

Incident Code

RS2096

LOCATION

طريق السد, Sadd Neighbourhood, Daraa, Syria

Seven to nine civilians, including two women and two children, were killed in an airstrike in the Sadd neighbourhood in Dara’a, according to local media sources – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Assad regime were responsible. Seven civilians were listed in the Violations Documentations Centre with their cause of death recorded as

Summary

First published
April 8, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 9
(2 children2 women3–5 men)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
9 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 11, 2017

Incident Code

RS2330

LOCATION

الجابرية, Jabriya, Hama, Syria

Two sources reported that nine civilians were killed and another six were wounded as a bakery in Jabriya village, Hama, was hit by airstrikes. Smart News Agency identified Russia as the likely culprit while al-Araby did not appoint blame, merely referring to “a military aircraft”. Both sources said that five of the victims were working in

Summary

First published
July 11, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9
Civilians reported injured
6
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

March 10, 2018

Incident Code

RS3220

LOCATION

عربين, Arbeen, Damascus, Syria

Nine civilians were killed and dozens more were reported missing and wounded in the aftermath of air and artillery strikes on Arbeen, according to local media. Sources blamed both the Syrian regime and Russia for the raids. The residential vicinity was hit with both missiles, internationally banned phosphorous bombs and napalm, according to local media.

Summary

First published
March 10, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 9
(2 women5 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
7 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS682

LOCATION

دارة عزة, Darat Izza, Aleppo, Syria

Nine civilians including three children and three women died in an airstrike on Darat Izza, according to local sources – though reports are conflicted as to whether Russia or the regime were responsible. Shaam News Network reported that “a family made up of three people was burnt to death  in the town of Darat Izza

Summary

First published
February 26, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9
(3 children3 women1 man)
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, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 14, 2016

Incident Code

RS1148

LOCATION

إدلب, Idlib, Syria

Between three and nine civilians including up to three children died and as many as 20 more were wounded in airstrikes in Idlib city, said sources on the ground. The majority of reports attributed the event to Russia, though one said that regime helicopters also participated in the assault. Some others sources didn’t identify the

Summary

First published
August 14, 2016
Last updated
November 8, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 9
(1–3 children)
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
3 named
Geolocation
City
View Incident

Incident date

September 25, 2016

Incident Code

RS1342

LOCATION

ارض الحمرا, Al Arad al Hamra, Aleppo, Syria

Between one and nine civilians were reportedly killed in Russian airstrikes on the Al Arad, Al Hamra neighbourhood in Aleppo. According to Al Jazeera and many other reports, the strike was on a vegetable market. Most sources including Halab News and Alwatan reported that one woman died from injuries sustained in the strikes. Alaraby reported

Summary

First published
September 25, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 9
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
5–10
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

November 25, 2016

Incident Code

RS1690

LOCATION

المنصورة, Al Mansoura, Aleppo, Syria

Between four and nine civilians were killed and at least 20 others were injured in airstrikes against the town of Al Mansoura in the western countryside of Aleppo. The majority of local sources, including @ShahbaPress, allege that Russian warplanes were responsible for the airstrikes launched against Al Mansoura. However, SDC Aleppo offered a conflicting report

Summary

First published
November 25, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 9
(2 men)
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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 29, 2015

Incident Code

RS212

LOCATION

أعزاز‎, A`zaz, Aleppo, Syria

Nine named  civilians including a child were reported killed – and at least 10 others injured – when Russian warplanes allegedly launched rockets on the northern suburbs of Aleppo, targeting a truck on the road to the Bab Al Salama crossing point, according to the Syrian Network for Human Rights. The network also stated that

Summary

First published
November 29, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9
(1 child4–8 men)
Civilians reported injured
10
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
9 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 9, 2015

Incident Code

RS245

LOCATION

جسر الشغور, Jisr al Shughour, Idlib, Syria

Nine civilians including four women and five children were killed in an airstrike on the village of Mraand, according to multiple sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether the attack was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. The Shaam News Network said that eight non-combatants died as a result of a Russian missile targeting

Summary

First published
December 9, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9
(5 children4 women)
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, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 9, 2018

Incident Code

RS3212

LOCATION

مسرابا, Mesraba, Damascus, Syria

Nine or more civilians – mainly women and children – were killed and dozens were wounded in air and artillery strikes on Mesraba, local media reported. Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids on the vicinity. Sources reported that there were as many as 27 barrel bombs, as well as 18

Summary

First published
March 9, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9 – 11
(2 children8 women1 man)
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
9 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 5, 2016

Incident Code

RS1224

LOCATION

مَعَرَّة النُّعْمَان, Maarat al Numan, Idlib, Syria

Up to nine civilians including three children died and as many as 30 or more were wounded in airstrikes on Maarat al Numan, according to local media. All sources blamed Russia, except for one which referred to both “Russian and Syrian warplanes”. According to Syrian News “an elderly man and a child were killed and

Summary

First published
September 5, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 9
(3 children1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
3–30
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
7 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

May 9, 2017

Incident Code

RS2222

LOCATION

اللاطوم, Al Latoum, Homs, Syria

Between five and nine civilians were killed, and “dozens” were wounded, following an airstrike in Al Latoum, according to local media. Sources all attributed blame to Russian warplanes, with the exception of the Syrian Network for Human Rights who blamed the “Syrian-Russian alliance”. Sources reported that huge fires broke out and many people became displaced

Summary

First published
May 9, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 9
(3–8 women1 man)
Civilians reported injured
4–24
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
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 13, 2016

Incident Code

RS1138

LOCATION

الجينة, Al Jeineh, Aleppo, Syria

Up to nine civilians including children and a woman died and as many as dozens more were wounded in airstrikes on Al Jeineh, local media said – though it was unclear whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. Many reports mentioned the use of cluster bombs in the attacks. Syria News

Summary

First published
August 13, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 9
(1–2 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
Named victims
7 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS1235

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Shaykhun, Idlib, Syria

Between seven and nine civilians, including two female children and two or three members of the civil defence died in airstrikes on Khan Sheikhoun in Idlib, according to sources on the ground. While the majority of reports blamed Russia, several attributed the attack to the Syrian regime or did not identify the culprit. According to

Summary

First published
September 6, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 9
(2 children3 men)
Civilians reported injured
3–20
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
7 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 15, 2016

Incident Code

RS1268

LOCATION

Tabara Kalash, Aleppo, Syria

Between three and nine civilians including two children and one man died and more were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Tabara Kalash village, according to local media. LCCSY “documented the deaths of nine people in Aleppo killed in a Russian air raid using cluster bombs on the village of Tabara Kalah and in

Summary

First published
September 15, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 9
(2 children1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2–10
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 15, 2016

Incident Code

RS619 CS174

LOCATION

مَعَرَّة النُّعْمَان, Maarat al Numan, Idlib, Syria

The Russian government accused the Coalition of killing nine civilians and injuring 26 in an airstrike on an MSF hospital at Maarat al Numan. This was later denied, with a Coalition report insisting “No Coalition strikes were conducted on that day in the geographic area of the reported civilian casualties.” According to a document and

Summary

First published
February 15, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility, School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 9
Civilians reported injured
26
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Unknown, Syrian Regime, US-led Coalition
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 16, 2017

Incident Code

RS2455

LOCATION

الأزغير, Al'azghir, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between seven and nine civilians were killed and dozens more were wounded in airstrikes on Al’azghir, according to local media. All sources blamed Russian warplanes for the raids. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
September 16, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 9
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

July 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS1037

LOCATION

حي الصالحين, Salheen (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Local media reported that up to nine civilians died an two were injured in an airstrike on Salheen, Aleppo. Though it was unclear from reports whether Russia or the Assad regime were to blame, with most reports, such as Halab News, Zam al-wasl and LCCSY, referring to both “Russian and regime” warplanes.

Summary

First published
July 23, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9
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

November 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS1672

LOCATION

جاسم, Jassem, Daraa, Syria

An airstrike, that struck the city of Jassem in Dara’a, reportedly killed up to nine civilians and wounded dozens more, including women and children, local media said. The incident was described by several media as a “massacre”. Sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Assad regime were to blame. Sources reported between five

Summary

First published
November 23, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 9
(1 man)
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
Named victims
8 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 29, 2017

Incident Code

RS2039

LOCATION

دير الشرقي, Deir al Sharqi, Idlib, Syria

Nine named civilians, including up to five children and one woman, were killed and between 15 and 20 others were wounded in alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrikes against the village of Deir al Sharqi. Sources that reported low casualty estimates, including the five deaths by Syrian News Network, acknowledged that these were the initial

Summary

First published
March 29, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9
(3–5 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
15–20
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
9 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 17, 2017

Incident Code

CS1216 RS2346

LOCATION

الكشكية, Al Kashkiya, school building, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Seven civilians were killed – including five civilians believed to be from one family – and a number of others were injured in airstrikes on the village of Al Kashkiya in eastern Deir Ezzor.  However it was contested as to who was responsible. Four sources – Radio al Kul, Micro News, Smart News Agency and

Summary

First published
July 17, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 9
(1–3 children1–2 women1 man)
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
US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Unknown
Named victims
9 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS1322

LOCATION

القاطرجي, Al Qaterji (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Between seven and nine civilians died and at least 15 more were wounded in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Aleppo’s Al Qaterjo neighbourhood, according to sources on the ground. An Al Jazeera report claimed that phosphorus and cluster bombs were used in the attack. @ShbabRevolution tweeted, “seven dead, including a child and about

Summary

First published
September 23, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 9
(2–3 children2 women3 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
6 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS1653

LOCATION

حي السكري, Sukkari, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Between four and nine civilians – including one woman – were killed, and as many as 24 were wounded when barrel bombs were reportedly dropped on a six story building in Sukkari neighbourhood, Aleppo. Sources were conflicted regarding who was to blame. Some sources attributed the blame to Syrian regime “helicopters”, while others blamed Russian

Summary

First published
November 21, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 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