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 23, 2018

Incident Code

RS3076

LOCATION

الشيفونية, Al Shifonya, Damascus, Syria

Up to seven civilians, allegedly five from the same family, were killed and several were left wounded Russian and/or Assad forces struck Al Shifonya, eastern Ghouta, Damascus, local media reported. The intense shelling of eastern Ghouta continued on Friday, February 23rd, including in Al Shifonya. Here, the strikes struck residential areas, and Douma Revolution reported that

Summary

First published
February 23, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 7
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, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 9, 2018

Incident Code

RS3209

LOCATION

جسرين, Jisreen, Damascus, Syria

Between five and seven civilians including a child were killed and dozens more were wounded in multiple air and artillery strikes on Jisreen, local media reported. Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids. High-explosive missiles were used in conjunction with cluster bombs with as many as 13 raids on the residential neighbourhood

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
5 – 7
(1 child6 men)
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
7 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 4, 2017

Incident Code

RS1940

LOCATION

الدانا, al-Dana, Idlib, Syria

Up to seven civilians, including children and women, were killed and “dozens” more were wounded as al-Dana, Idlib, in three airstrikes, carried out by Russia or the Syrian regime, local media reported. Three men from the same family were reportedly among the victims. Multiple sources added that one or two children and several women were

Summary

First published
March 4, 2017
Last updated
January 31, 2023
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 7
(1–2 children2 women3 men)
Civilians reported injured
3–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
Geolocation
Exact location (via Airwars)
View Incident

Incident date

December 20, 2015

Incident Code

RS294

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

At least six civilians including one woman and two children from the same family were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on the food stores of A’dala, a relief organisation in Al Ghouta, according to reports. Significant food stores were targeted and destroyed and around 70 sheep slain.    

Summary

First published
December 20, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 7
(2 children1 woman1 man)
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
6 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 20, 2016

Incident Code

RS422

LOCATION

الحسينية, Hussainiya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between four and seven civilians including one to two children were killed and dozens more injured in alleged Russian strikes on the village of Hussainiya, according to multiple sources. Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently reported that four non-combatants died when Russian aviation struck the village with cluster bombs. They said that the warplanes targeted “the house of Talal

Summary

First published
January 20, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 7
(1–2 children3 men)
Civilians reported injured
10–24
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
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

April 24, 2018

Incident Code

RS3415

LOCATION

شارع عطا الزين في مخيم اليرموك, Ata Al Zein street in Al Yarmouk refugee camp, Damascus, Syria

Up to seven civilians including a woman and her husband were reported killed in alleged Russian forces or Syrian regime forces airstrikes on Al Yarmouk camp in Damascus, Syria on April 24th, 2018 according to local sources. The Syrian Network for Human Rights said that “six civilians, including three women were killed as Syrian/Russian warplanes

Summary

First published
April 24, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 7
(1–3 women)
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
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS839

LOCATION

حي الصالحين, Salheen (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Up to seven civilians died in an air or artillery strike on Salheen, according to local reports – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. The Shaam News Network reported on alleged Russian raids with warplanes and helicopters across Aleppo and its surrounding countryside. It said that this

Summary

First published
June 3, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 7
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

October 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS1500

LOCATION

كفرتخاريم, Kafr Takharim, Idlib, Syria

Local media reported that up to seven civilians – six of whom were named – including children and women died and dozens more were wounded in night-time airstrikes on Kafr Tkharim. The strikes reportedly hit a council building and a sports center. The majority of sources attributed this casualty event to Russia, though one report

Summary

First published
October 23, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 7
(3 children4 women)
Civilians reported injured
20–24
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

February 19, 2017

Incident Code

RS1909

LOCATION

نصيب , Nasib, Daraa, Syria

Up to seven civilians – of whom four were named – died and as many as eight others were wounded in an air or artillery strike on Nasib, according to local media. While most sources blamed Russia, there were also several allegations against the Assad regime. According to Ara, “Russian warplanes targeted the vicinity of

Summary

First published
February 19, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 7
(2 children1–3 women1 man)
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
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

April 24, 2017

Incident Code

RS2166

LOCATION

بسنقول, Bsanqoul, Idlib, Syria

Seven civilians were killed and others injured in an alleged Russian airstrike in Bsanqoul, according to local media sources. Both Halab Today and AMC Aleppo reported that seven civilians had been killed, but neither positively identified a belligerent. All other known sources attributed responsibility to Russia, but did not provide a death toll – they

Summary

First published
April 24, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
Civilians reported injured
4–12
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

November 3, 2017

Incident Code

RS2679

LOCATION

الجلاء, Al-Jalaa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Six to seven civilians were killed – including three children and a woman – following airstrikes on Al-Jalaa, according to local media. Some sources blamed Russia, while the other did not attribute blame. Four out of the six civilians killed were reportedly from one family, however, Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that “6 civilians

Summary

First published
November 4, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 7
(3 children1 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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS1252

LOCATION

حي الصالحين, Salheen (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Up to seven civilians died and as many as 22 more were wounded in an airstrike on Salheen, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work or Russia or the Syrian regime. Baladi, Halab Today and LCCSY blamed Russia. The lowest death toll – of one –

Summary

First published
September 10, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 7
Civilians reported injured
10–22
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

January 13, 2017

Incident Code

RS1833

LOCATION

جبل الاربعين, Jabal Al-Arba'een, Idlib, Syria

A leader of the Islamic Party of Turkmenistan (jihadist group) was killed following an alleged Russian raid on a residential building he was occupying. Four of his children and three women were also reportedly killed in the raid. Additionally, in what became a double raid, 20 members of the civil defence were injured in a second raid whilst

Summary

First published
January 13, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 7
(4 children3 women)
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 belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

February 20, 2017

Incident Code

RS1912

LOCATION

حي تشرينشارع الحافظ , al Hafez street, Tishreen neighbourhood, eastern Damascus, Damascus, Syria

In what was largely reported as a regime attack, seven civilians including up to two children and two women died in an airstrike on al Hafez street, in Damascus’ Tishreen neighbourhood. On February 20th, the Step News Agency reported: “Assad’s regime continued its military campaign on the eastern neighborhoods in the capital Damascus for the

Summary

First published
February 20, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
(1–2 children1–2 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
View Incident

Incident date

November 21, 2015

Incident Code

RS187

LOCATION

الباب, Al Bab, Aleppo, Syria

Seven civilians were reported killed in an airstrike on Al Bab by Russia or the Assad regime. According to the Syrian Observatory, the deaths occurred after a bakery was struck.  

Summary

First published
November 21, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
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

March 5, 2018

Incident Code

RS3173

LOCATION

زملكا, Zamalka, Damascus, Syria

Between three and seven civilians were killed, and an unspecified number of others were wounded, in airstrikes on Zamalka, local media reported. Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids. The raids reportedly stuck a residential neighbourhood. The highest death count was give as seven by @ManFreeman7. Syria Noor: “The death toll

Summary

First published
March 5, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 7
(2 men)
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

November 25, 2016

Incident Code

RS1691

LOCATION

حطلة, Hatla, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between four and seven civilians were killed and up to seven others were wounded, including women and children, in alleged Russian airstrikes against Hatla village in the eastern countryside of Deir Ezzor. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights stated that at the time of reporting, many civilians were in critical condition and the death toll

Summary

First published
November 25, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 7
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
5–7
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 20, 2016

Incident Code

RS423

LOCATION

الحصان, Al Hissan, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between five and seven civilians including two children died in an alleged Russian strike on Al Hissan, according to local sources. Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently reported on “more than 20 strikes on the western countryside of Deir Ezzor“, which included details on an alleged Russian airstrike on Al Hissan. Deir Ezzor24 said that

Summary

First published
January 20, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 7
(2 children)
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
13 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 14, 2016

Incident Code

RS904 CS229

LOCATION

‏الغوز‬, Al Ghouz, Aleppo, Syria

A family of seven civilians died in an airstrike on the village of Al ghouz, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Coalition. Aleppo 24 reported that a suspected Russian cluster bomb raid was responsible. Other sources, including Al Mukhtassar, @ALAMAWI  and Nabd Syria all

Summary

First published
June 14, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
(1 child1 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
Unknown, US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

March 7, 2018

Incident Code

RS3190

LOCATION

مسرابا, Mesraba, Damascus, Syria

Between five and six civilians were killed and several others were wounded in air and/or artillery strikes on the residential neighbourhood of Mesraba, local media reported. Sources blamed both the Russian and Syrian regime raids. Alaraby News reported that “The Syrian Civil Defence in the countryside of Damascus [reported that a] woman was killed and

Summary

First published
March 7, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 6
(1 woman6 men)
Civilians reported injured
21
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
6 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 4, 2016

Incident Code

RS969

LOCATION

كفر حمرة, Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, Syria

Reports said both Russian and Syrian regime warplanes caused destruction to Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, “before Iftar” (sunset) on July 4th, killing between four and seven civilians including two young girls. Multiple sources including Al Jazeera described the use of missiles, explosive barrels and cluster bombs, which caused destruction to the local community of not only

Summary

First published
July 4, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 7
(2 children2 men)
Civilians reported injured
5–16
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS1065

LOCATION

كرم البيك, Karam al Beik, Aleppo, Syria

Between five and seven civilians died and 15 were wounded in airstrikes on Karam al beik, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. Alaraby, Radio Alkul, Syrianevent1 and LCCSY said that Russia was responsible. However, AMC and Al Jazeera pointed towards the

Summary

First published
July 29, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 7
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

November 18, 2017

Incident Code

RS2741

LOCATION

هجين, Hajeen, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A single source reported that seven civilians, including two children, were killed in an airstrike undertaken by an “unknown” belligerent in Hajeen, Deir Ezzor, on November 18th. Smart News reported that “seven civilians, including two children, were killed and 20 others were wounded in an “unknown” aerial bombardment of a camp for displaced people in

Summary

First published
November 18, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
(2 children)
Civilians reported injured
20
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

August 13, 2016

Incident Code

RS1145

LOCATION

تفتناز, Taftanaz, Idlib, Syria

Up to seven civilians including women and a child died and as many as 12 more were wounded in an airstrike on Taftanaz, according to local media – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the regime. RFS Media Office reported: “Russian aviation has committed a second massacre

Summary

First published
August 13, 2016
Last updated
November 8, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 7
(1 child3 women)
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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Geolocation
Town
View Incident

Incident date

October 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS1469

LOCATION

Al Maysar, Aleppo, Syria

Seven civilians died in an airstrike on Aleppo’s Al Maysar neighbourhood, according to local media. Most sources blamed Russia, though one said that the Syrian regime was active in Aleppo’s skies on this day, meaning its involvement in this casualty event can’t be ruled out. Halab News listed seven unidentified civilians as killed in a

Summary

First published
October 16, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
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 19, 2016

Incident Code

RS1635

LOCATION

حي الانصاري, Al-Ansari, Aleppo, Syria

Airstrikes targeting Aleppo’s Al Ansari neighbourhood reportedly killed between five and seven civilians and wounded up to dozens, reported local media – though sources disagreed as to whether the strikes were carried out by Russia or the Syrian regime. None of the victims were identified by name, but most sources reported that the death toll

Summary

First published
November 19, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 7
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
View Incident

Incident date

January 30, 2017

Incident Code

RS1873

LOCATION

الأول ريف المهندسينكفرجوم, Kafr Joum, Al Muhandissin Al wwal countryside, Aleppo, Syria

A mother and her six children were killed in an alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrike “massacre” in the countryside of western Aleppo, according to sources on the ground. The noon raid struck three houses in the region controlled by opposition forces. It is currently home to displaced residents from the southern area of the

Summary

First published
January 30, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 7
(6 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
1–2
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 12, 2015

Incident Code

RS144

LOCATION

الغارية, Al Ghariya, Daraa, Syria

Seven non-combatants were reported killed – including one child and a woman – in alleged Russian (or possibly Syrian) airstrikes and Assad ground artillery attacks on Eastern Al Ghariya. Shaam News reported that warplanes hit a school, noting that Assad’s forces also targeted the town with artillery shells following the raids. The Syrian Network blamed

Summary

First published
November 12, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
(1 child1 woman5 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
Unknown, Syrian Regime
Named victims
7 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 13, 2015

Incident Code

RS274

LOCATION

الصاخور, Al Sakhour (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Two adult male civilians were reported killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Sakhour, according to the Violations Documentation Centre. Five additional victims may also have died, including a woman and girl. Halab TV also reported at least one death from an air raid, though did not identify a perpetrator: “Warplanes launched two air strikes

Summary

First published
December 13, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 7
(1 child1 woman2 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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 7, 2018

Incident Code

RS3396

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

A family was among seven civilians killed as Russian and regime forces reportedly struck the city of Douma. Civil Defense teams said warplanes and helicopters bombed the city with more than 100 raids and an explosive barrel, in addition to rocket and artillery shelling. Sources also reported the use of cluster munitions.

Summary

First published
April 7, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
(1 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