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 1, 2016

Incident Code

RS520

LOCATION

الخريطة, Al Khareeta, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between two and three civilians including one to three children were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Al Khareeta, according to local sources. Activists initially told Shaam News that three children were killed and more than five others were injured after Russian planes targeted Al Khareeta. According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, at least two

Summary

First published
February 1, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(1 child1 man)
Civilians reported injured
3–5
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
5 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS554

LOCATION

عندان, Anadan, Aleppo, Syria

One child died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Anadan, according to local sources. Shaam News Network, reported the death of one civilian and the injury of one woman in an alleged Russian airstrike on Anadan, while Shahed Ayyan Halab tweeted that one child died and other civilians were injured in Russian airstrikes. Shahba Press

Summary

First published
February 6, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(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 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS586

LOCATION

داعل, Dael, Daraa, Syria

One woman, named as Sawsan Fakhri al Hariri, was killed in an airstrike on Dael, according to local sources – though reports are contested as to whether Russia or the regime were responsible. The Violations Documentation and Syria2011 said the victim was killed in a Russian strike. However, the Syrian Network for Human Rights blamed

Summary

First published
February 9, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
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

February 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS651

LOCATION

سراقب, Saraqib, Idlib, Syria

One to three civilians died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Saraqib in Idlib, according to local sources. Siryahora reported that “three warplanes fired thermobaric missiles resulting death of three people and several injuries, most serious“, though didn’t identify the warplanes. Step also said three died and that one was “burned” while many were injured

Summary

First published
February 21, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS683

LOCATION

كفر حمرة, Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, Syria

Seven to fifteen civilians including three children and two women were killed and ten more injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on Kafr Hamra, according to local sources. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that “alleged Russian warplanes shelled the residential houses in Kafr Hamra town in northern Aleppo suburbs which killed 7 individuals including

Summary

First published
February 26, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 15
(2–3 children2 women1 man)
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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 7, 2016

Incident Code

RS715

LOCATION

أورم الكبرى, Urma al Kubra, Aleppo, Syria

Six civilians including two to three children and one woman died in alleged Russian airstrikes on Orm al Kubra according to multiple local sources. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported a “massacre due to suspected Russian forces shelling on regime forces shelling in Owrm Al Kubra town in Aleppo governorate in March 7“. It said

Summary

First published
March 7, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
(2–3 children1 woman)
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

April 7, 2016

Incident Code

RS747

LOCATION

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

Three civilians died in an alleged Russian airstrike in Deir ez-Zor, according to local sources. Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently reported that three civilians died when “Russian planes targeted al Sina’a, Huwaija Sakr and the area around the military airport with more than 15 raids since the morning after an attack was carried out

Summary

First published
April 7, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(3 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
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS780

LOCATION

الفردوس, Al Fardous (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Between six and 12 civilians died in airstrikes on Fardous according to local sources. While most reports said this was the work of the regime, others also alleged possible Russian involvement. Baladi News published a video showing the first scenes of what they said was a strike by the regime. At 1:55 into the video,

Summary

First published
April 29, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 12
Civilians reported injured
10
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

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

Incident date

June 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS845

LOCATION

عندان, Anadan, Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians died in an air or artillery strike on Anadan, according to local sources – though reports are 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. They said that this coincided

Summary

First published
June 3, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

June 8, 2016

Incident Code

RS877

LOCATION

كفر حمرة, Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, Syria

Seven civilians including  two children died in airstrikes on Kafr Hamra, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was an attack by Russia or regime forces. LCCSY reported that Russian strikes had killed four civilians, with one “infant body” being dug out from the rubble – though a second

Summary

First published
June 8, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
(2 children1 woman3 men)
Civilians reported injured
5–10
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, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS909

LOCATION

ﺣﻠﺐ, Aleppo, Syria

A single source, Shaam News Network, reported civilians killed and wounded following alleged Russian airstrikes on various locations in Aleppo. The report stated, “In the stricken city of Aleppo Russian aircraft and Assad’s helicopters have carried out raids on the neighborhoods of al Maysar, Bani Zeid, Altarab,  Bab al-Nairab, Alsakhur, Hanano residences, Al Hawooz roundabout,

Summary

First published
June 16, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

June 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS943

LOCATION

المهدوم, Mahdum, Aleppo, Syria

Seven civilians including up to four children died in an alleged Russian airstrike on the city of Mahdoum, according to local media. The majority of sources reported the deaths of children and women. According to Aleppo24, “4 children and 3 women were killed and others injured in an air raid thought to be Russian that

Summary

First published
June 26, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
(4 children3 women)
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

July 8, 2016

Incident Code

RS975

LOCATION

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

Up to five civilians including two children died and 15 more were wounded in strikes by warplanes and helicopters on Tareek al Bab, according to local sources – though it was unclear whether Russian jets or Syrian regime helicopters were to blame. Orient News reported that the Regime helicopters used explosive barrels. There were multiple

Summary

First published
July 8, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 5
(2 children1 woman)
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
Unknown, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

July 18, 2016

Incident Code

RS1018

LOCATION

Al Maysar, Aleppo, Syria

In multiple alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrikes which struck residential buildings, in Aleppo’s Al Maysar neighbourhood, a family of five and an elderly man were reportedly killed. BBC reported that “according to opposition source, Russian warplanes launched extensive shelling in Kafr hamra and Al-Maysar.” AMC News blamed the Assad regime for the strike, while

Summary

First published
July 18, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(3 children1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
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
Named victims
5 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 25, 2016

Incident Code

RS1050

LOCATION

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

Up to 20 civilians died in Al Mashad, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether they were killed by Russian airstrikes or Syrian regime barrel bombs. Alaraby, blaming Russia, put the death toll at five non-combatants, with a dozen more wounded. But Syria News Desk said that as many as

Summary

First published
July 25, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 20
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

July 19, 2017

Incident Code

CS1236 RS2350

LOCATION

زور شمر, Zor Shamer, Raqqa, Syria

Up to 22 civilians including as many as 11 children died in airstrikes on Zor Shamer, according to local media – though reports were conflicted as to whether the US-led Coalition or Russia were to blame. There were no reports of injured civilians. @eldorar, Syrian free army, Ahmad Shibli and the Smart News Agency pointed

Summary

First published
July 19, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 22
(5–11 children2–4 women1 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
13 named, 7 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 14, 2017

Incident Code

CS1483 RS2441

LOCATION

خشام, Kisham, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Ten to 12 civilians, mostly children and women, were reported killed following alleged airstrikes on Khishham, 15 km southeast of Deir Ezzor. The majority of sources accused Russian warplanes of committing the offence. However both the Regime and the US-led Coalition were also mentioned in reporting. Syrian Press Center reported that Russian warplanes used “cluster

Summary

First published
September 14, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 12
(9–10 children1–2 women)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Named victims
10 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 5, 2017

Incident Code

CS1666 RS2697

LOCATION

الصبحة, Al Subha, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Three civilians including two brothers died in airstrikes on al Subha, local media said – though it was unclear who was responsible. Sources attributed blame to both Russia and the US-led Coalition. According to Al Sharq News “intense” raids by the Coalition were occurring in the area. According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights

Summary

First published
November 5, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
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 belligerents
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 5, 2016

Incident Code

RS1099

LOCATION

الأتارب, Al Atarib, Aleppo, Syria

Four civilians died and dozens more were wounded in an aerial bombardment of a school and neighbourhood in Al Atareb, according to sources on the ground – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. Sources reported that Russian warplanes and government helicopters were sighted in the vicinity – and that

Summary

First published
August 5, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(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
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS1131

LOCATION

حيان, Hayyan, Aleppo, Syria

Another hospital was reportedly struck on 12th August 2016. At least 12 civilians including four women and between eight and ten children died, and up to 15 more were injured, in five air raids launched against the town of Hayyan, according to sources on the ground. The children’s hospital was reportedly destroyed by the airstrikes,

Summary

First published
August 12, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
12 – 14
(8–10 children4 women)
Civilians reported injured
7–15
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
9 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 18, 2016

Incident Code

RS1163

LOCATION

حي الصالحين, Salheen (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Up to eight civilians including one child died in a casualty event in the Al Slaheen neighbourhood of Aleppo, local sources reported – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Assad regime were to blame. According to Syria News Desk: “seven civilians were killed and five wounded in the Al Salheen neighbourhood

Summary

First published
August 18, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 8
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
5
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 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS1196

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Tabqaqa, Raqqa, Syria

Up to three civilians died and 30 more were injured in alleged Russian airstrike on Al Tabqaqa, local media reported. According to Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently – who later blamed Russia – “three people died and more than 30 were injured raids by warplanes on a carpet factory in the city of Tabaqa”. The

Summary

First published
August 27, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
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
View Incident

Incident date

September 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS1228

LOCATION

حور, Hor, Aleppo, Syria

Up to six civilians including two children and a woman died and up to 20 more civilians were wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes on Hor town, local media reported. According to LCCSY, “Russian warplanes launched airstrikes with vacuum missiles on Hor town in the western suburbs with led to the fall of four civilian martyrs

Summary

First published
September 6, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 6
(2 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
4–20
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

September 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS1260

LOCATION

الفردوس, Al Fardous (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

According to Syria News Desk, “seven civilians were killed and dozens wounded in an initial toll following Russian warplane shelling on a vegetable market in al Ferdos neighbourhood in the centre of Aleppo city.” LCCSY also reported that Russia shelled al Ferdos, but made no mention of civilian harm.  

Summary

First published
September 11, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

September 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS1293

LOCATION

حي السكري, Sukkari (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Between four and five civilians died in the al Sukkari neighbourhood of Aleppo when a six-storey residential building was destroyed, according to sources on the ground – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russian airstrike or regime artillery or helicopters were to blame. Several sources alleged that Russian used phosphorus bombs in the attack.

Summary

First published
September 21, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
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 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS1325

LOCATION

حي الكلاسة, Al Kalassa (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Between 10 and 15 civilians including at least one child died and 20 more non-combatants were wounded in airstrikes on Aleppo’s Al Kallassah neighbourhood, according to local media. Sources blamed both raids by Russian warplanes and Syrian regime helicopters, which reportedly caused widespread destruction and left people trapped under the rubble. According to the Syrian

Summary

First published
September 23, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 15
(1 child2 men)
Civilians reported injured
20
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS1357

LOCATION

كفر حمرة, Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, Syria

Between one and two civilians were reportedly killed and six more wounded in Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Kafr Hamra north of Aleppo. Step News Agency reported: “Two people were killed and six injured following Russian raids on Kafr Hamra in the northern Aleppo countryside.” LCCSY reported that only one civilian was killed. Ghada12180130

Summary

First published
September 27, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
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 belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

October 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS1390

LOCATION

خان الشيح‬, Khan al Sheikh, Damascus, Syria

Local sources reported that air or artillery strikes hit the suburb of Damascus, Khan al-Sheikh which led to the death of at least two civilian men and injury of several more people. The strikes allegedly struck a Palestinian refugee camp. One source claimed that a school in the area was also struck. The news site

Summary

First published
October 3, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
Civilians reported injured
2–12
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
2 named
View Incident