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

March 9, 2017

Incident Code

RS1954

LOCATION

دارة عزة, Darat Izza, Aleppo, Syria

Between three and eight civilians were killed, and dozens more were wounded, in a multi-strike raid on Darat Izza, Aleppo, local media reported. All sources blamed Russian warplanes for the airstrikes on the town. A local source reported that a school was struck in the first raid, and published images showing material damage to the infrastructure.  Al-Hajji

Summary

First published
March 9, 2017
Last updated
January 17, 2023
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 8
(2 children5–6 men)
Civilians reported injured
15–24
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
8 named
Geolocation
Town
View Incident

Incident date

March 17, 2017

Incident Code

RS1980

LOCATION

اورم الكبرى , Urma Al-Kubra, Aleppo, Syria

Between three and eight civilians were killed and a further six were wounded f as a result of alleged air raids by Russian warplanes in the town of Urma al Kubra in Aleppo Governorate on the 17th of March 2017. Sources said that four victims from the same family died in the attack. The Violations

Summary

First published
March 17, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 8
(1 woman3–6 men)
Civilians reported injured
2–6
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
8 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 25, 2015

Incident Code

RS190

LOCATION

أعزاز‎, A`zaz, Aleppo, Syria

Eight non-combatants including a child were reported killed in alleged Russian warplanes targeted trucks in the town of Azaz. Russian planes launched several rockets on a civilian area, hitting freight trucks 2km from Bab Al Salameh on the Syrian-Turkish border. The Syrian Network said the vehicles specialised in transporting foodstuff to and from the crossing,

Summary

First published
November 25, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8
(1 child7 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
Unknown
Named victims
7 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 28, 2018

Incident Code

RS3125

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

As many as eight civilians were killed and others were wounded in air and artillery strikes on Douma, local media reported. Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids. A child was amongst those killed, as well as one unidentified body. Four others are named. Rockets and barrel bombs were launched into

Summary

First published
February 28, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 8
(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
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 22, 2016

Incident Code

RS1180

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

Eight civilians including women and children died and up to 20 more were wounded in airstrikes on Douma, local media reported – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Assad regime were to blame. The majority of sources, however, accused the regime. According to Syria News Desk, “about 20 vacuum missiles, cluster

Summary

First published
August 22, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8
(2 children2–3 women1 man)
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
7 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 25, 2017

Incident Code

RS1860

LOCATION

حي العمال, Oummal neighbourhood, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Eight civilians were killed – including an entire family of seven – and dozens more were injured following an alleged Russian airstrike on Oummal neighbourhood, local media reported. All sources reported that Russia was to blame for the strike. A later source confirmed that the family of seven were found under the rubble three days after

Summary

First published
January 25, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 8
(4–5 children2 women)
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
8 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 23, 2015

Incident Code

RS072

LOCATION

برقوم, Barkoum, Aleppo, Syria

Six or more civilians were reported killed in an airstrike at Barkoum. The Violations Documentation Center (which in English said the attack was by unidentified warplanes, and in Arabic attributed it to the Assad regime) later named the dead. However other sources described the attack as the work of the Russian airforce.  

Summary

First published
October 23, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 8
(3 children2 women1 man)
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, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 22, 2016

Incident Code

RS1665

LOCATION

اللطامنة, Al Latamneh, Hama, Syria

As many as nine civilians were killed – and up to 10 or more were wounded – in alleged airstrikes which struck Al Latamneh. According to sources the initial death toll was six, however this rose throughout the day. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame for the raids. Some sources attributed blame

Summary

First published
November 22, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 8
(7 men)
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
Named victims
7 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 4, 2016

Incident Code

RS1735

LOCATION

حي السكري , Al Sukkari neighbourhood, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Between five and eight civilians died and as many as dozens more were wounded in alleged Russian or Assad regime air and artillery strikes on Aleppo’s Al Sukkari neighbourhood, according to sources on the ground. The lowest death count was give as five civilians – with seven more wounded – by the White Helmets. According

Summary

First published
December 4, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 8
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

October 22, 2017

Incident Code

RS2654

LOCATION

العرضي, Al-Aradi, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Four children from one family were killed in an air and/or artillery strike on the residential neighbourhood of Al-Aradi in Deir Ezzor city, according to local media. Sources mostly all reported that Russia was to blame, however Sharqiya voice blamed both the Syrian regime and Russia. As many as 12 to 24 civilians were allegedly

Summary

First published
October 22, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 8
(4 children0–1 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
5 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 31, 2017

Incident Code

RS2830

LOCATION

كفرسجنة, Kafr Sajneh, Idlib, Syria

Between five and eight civilians, including children and women, were killed and “dozens” were left wounded following heavy aerial shelling in Kafr Sajneh, Idlib, carried out by either the Syrian regime or Russia, local sources reported. There were reports that a popular market as well as homes in the town were struck. The reported death

Summary

First published
December 31, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 8
(1 child1 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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 21, 2018

Incident Code

RS3322

LOCATION

عين ترما, Ayn Tarma, Damascus, Syria

Between four and eight civilians, including two children and two women, died in alleged Russian or regime air or artillery or rocket strikes on Ayn Tarma, according to sources on the ground. There were conflicting reports blaming both Russia and the regime, and it remains unclear which party was responsible for the civilian harm. Initial

Summary

First published
March 21, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 8
(2 children2 women)
Civilians reported injured
2
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
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 23, 2017

Incident Code

RS2160

LOCATION

جسر الشغور, Jisir Al-Shoghour, Idlib, Syria

Eight civilians were killed – including two women and two children – and dozens were wounded, following an airstrike on Jisir Al-Shoghour, according to local media. Most sources blamed Russian warplanes for the incident, however some remained impartial, and reported sighting an identified warplane. Step News reported that the vicinity which was struck housed Internally Displaced

Summary

First published
April 23, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 8
(2 children1–2 women)
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 28, 2017

Incident Code

RS2310

LOCATION

المربعات, Al-Marba'at, Nabi’ al Sakher, Quneitra, Syria

Between four and eight civilians were killed – reportedly from one family – and others were wounded, when airstrikes struck Al-Marba’at town, local media said. According to sources, up to three children, a woman, and a man were killed in the raids. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame for the strikes. Some

Summary

First published
June 28, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 8
(3 children1–4 women1–4 men)
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
8 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 20, 2016

Incident Code

RS427

LOCATION

شقرة, Shaqra, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between six and eight civilians were killed when Russian warplanes allegedly targeted a funeral following a previous airstrike on Shaqra on January 20th. Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently reported that on the first incident in Shaqra on this day (listed above) in which “Fayez Al Shokan, five members of the Al Hayess family, Khaled

Summary

First published
January 20, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 8
Civilians reported injured
15
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 9, 2015

Incident Code

RS137

LOCATION

مخيم أوبين, Ubin IDP Camp, Latakia, Syria

A major airstrike on an IDP camp close to the Turkish border killed up to eight civilians and injured a further ten, according to reports. While most blamed the Assad regime, JBC News claimed Russia was responsible. All said powerful Russian-made munitions were used in the attack. The camp – home to 5,000 internally displaced

Summary

First published
November 9, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 8
Civilians reported injured
10–12
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

December 22, 2015

Incident Code

RS299

LOCATION

جسر الشغور, Jisr al Shughour, Idlib, Syria

Between five and eight civilians including one to five women and four children were killed – and several other injured – in an alleged Russian airstrike on Bdama, Jisr al Shughour, according to multiple sources. Reports by the Shaam News Network said that Russian warplanes targeted the town with two vacuum missiles, leading to the

Summary

First published
December 22, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 8
(4 children1–5 women3 men)
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
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS406

LOCATION

قصر البريج, Qasr al Burayj, Aleppo, Syria

Alaan TV reported Russian raids on Qasr el Bureji, but did not provide information on casualties. According to Halab News, eight civilians died in a bombardment by warplanes, though they did not identify the planes. Step also put the death toll at eight, though it was unclear from their report whether Russia or the regime

Summary

First published
January 16, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
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

June 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS887

LOCATION

أورم الكبرى, Urma al Kubra, Aleppo, Syria

Between three and eight non-combatants including two children, a woman and a member of the White Helmets died and dozens more were injured in raids on Orm al Kubra, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Syrian regime. LCCSY reported that four civilians including

Summary

First published
June 11, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 8
(2 children1 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, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 19, 2016

Incident Code

RS919

LOCATION

الأبزيمو, Al Ibzimo, Aleppo, Syria

Multiple sources reported the death of five children in Al Ibzimo town, Aleppo, though the highest number recorded dead is eight civilians in a article by futureTv news. Most sources blamed Russia, though there was also an allegations against the Assad regime. Both the Syrian Network for Human Rights and Shaam News Network said Russia

Summary

First published
June 19, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 8
(5–7 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
5 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 6, 2017

Incident Code

RS2694

LOCATION

الهري, Harri, Deir Ezzor, Syria

As many as eight civilians were reportedly killed, and 13 others were wounded, in airstrikes on Harri. Sources all blamed Russia for the strikes. Al Hall reported that “Russian warplanes targeted civilian houses in Al-Harri town with more than six raids, killing eight civilians, including women and children, injuring more than 13 others and causing

Summary

First published
November 6, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8
(0–2 children0–2 women1 man)
Civilians reported injured
13
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
6 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 3, 2018

Incident Code

RS3149

LOCATION

بيت سوى, Beit Sawa, Damascus, Syria

As many as eight civilians were killed in airstrikes on Beit Sawa, according to local media. Although most sources reported that only one girl (aged five) and four men died, the highest death toll was given as eight. Sources blamed both the Syrian regime and Russia for the raids. Rockets and explosive barrels from helicopters

Summary

First published
March 3, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 8
(2 children1 woman4 men)
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

September 24, 2016

Incident Code

RS1333

LOCATION

كرم حومد, Karam Homad, Aleppo, Syria

Between one and eight civilians were killed and as many as 22 more injured in airstrikes in Karam Homad in Aleppo, according to local media – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Syrian regime. The lowest death count was given by Almustaqbal and Zamanmasdar at one

Summary

First published
September 24, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 8
Civilians reported injured
20–22
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

March 17, 2017

Incident Code

RS1981

LOCATION

الطبقة مسكنة , the road between Maskanah and Tabaqa, Raqqa, Syria

Eight civilians were killed and another 17 were injured when their bus was struck during an air raid between Maskanah and Tabaqa, according to sources on the ground. Smart News Agency reported that it is ‘likely’ the warplanes that conducted the attack were Russian. The Violations Documentation Center in Syria has named Ahmad Al-Zaher as

Summary

First published
March 17, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8
(1–2 children1–2 women)
Civilians reported injured
17
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

April 27, 2017

Incident Code

RS2183

LOCATION

معرشورين, Maarshurin village, Idlib, Syria

Between four and eight civilians, including two women and two children, were reportedly killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on the village of Ma’ar Shureen on the morning of the 27th of April, according to sources on the ground. The strike reportedly left ‘dozens’ of others wounded. Aljazeera reported that a funeral procession in the

Summary

First published
April 27, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 8
(3–4 children1–2 women3 men)
Civilians reported injured
8–24
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
8 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 1, 2018

Incident Code

RS2959

LOCATION

جزرايا, Jazraya, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Between five and eight civilians, including children and women, were killed and several were left injured following airstrikes and/or artillery shelling in Jazraya, Aleppo, local media reports, though the exact circumstances were unclear. Most sources reported that one family had been killed, including one man, one woman and three to five children, though sources varied

Summary

First published
February 1, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 8
(3–5 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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

December 11, 2015

Incident Code

RS257

LOCATION

القصابية, Al Qassabiya, Idlib, Syria

Between four and eight civilians including three children were killed and more than 20 injured in an airstrike on Al Qassabiya – though reports were conflicted as to whether the attack was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. Shaam News Network reported that Russian warplanes struck a centre for bread distribution in the town and

Summary

First published
December 11, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 8
(3 children1 man)
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
Unknown, Syrian Regime
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

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

June 26, 2019

Incident Code

RS3846

LOCATION

المزارع المحيطة بمدينة ادلب,, farms surrounding the city Idlib, Idlib, Syria

Local sources reported varying numbers of civilians were killed and wounded when  airstrikes struck the outskirts of Idlib. According to Macro Media, three civilians were killed in the raid. Shabab Al Latamina, Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and Ariha Today reported a higher death toll of four civilian fatalities. Syrian Observatory for Human Rights added

Summary

First published
June 26, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 8
(1 woman3 men)
Civilians reported injured
3
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Other
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS812

LOCATION

الصاخور, Al Sakhour (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Multiple local sources reported Russian and Syrian regime raids on various parts of Aleppo, killing up to 17 civilians – including two or more children – and wounding others. In a news roundup, the Shaam News Network reported that Russian warplanes and helicopters had carried out raids with “vacuum missiles, cluster bombs and barrel bombs”

Summary

First published
May 28, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 8
(3–5 children1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
3
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