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 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

Incident date

March 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS722

LOCATION

الصالحين, Salheen (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Seven civilians died and at least 10 others were injured in airstrikes on the Salheen neighborhood of Aleppo. While three sources alleged that Russia was responsible, a fourth said this was the work of Assad regime warplanes. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said it was “informed that no less than 5 people were killed

Summary

First published
March 11, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
(2 children2 women3 men)
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
Named victims
7 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

April 26, 2019

Incident Code

RS3625

LOCATION

العنكاوي, Al’inakwi in Sahl Al Ghab, Hama, Syria

According to Step News Agency, “two people were killed and a number were wounded in several Russian air raids on the village of Al Amqeya and an air raid on the village of Al’inakawi in Sahal Al Ghab in the western countryside of Hama.” On April 27th, the White Helmets reported: “The death of martyrs and

Summary

First published
April 26, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 7
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
Suspected target
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

March 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS701

LOCATION

كسرة الفرج, Kasret Farj, Raqqa, Syria

Up to seven civilians including one child were reported killed and up to 71 others injured in alleged Russian airstrikes focusing on a water company on the outskirts of the city, according to multiple sources. Shaam News reported that Russian warplanes used cluster bombs to target the water facility, killing seven non-combatants, injuring 70 more

Summary

First published
March 2, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 7
(1 child2 men)
Civilians reported injured
20–71
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

February 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS584

LOCATION

آفس, Afes, Idlib, Syria

Seven civilians including four children were killed in airstrikes on Afes – though sources are unclear or conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that five non-combatants were killed when warplanes raided the Afes area, though did not say who the

Summary

First published
February 9, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
(4 children3 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
7 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS808

LOCATION

كفر حمرة, Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, Syria

Seven civilians including three children died in airstrikes on Kafr Hamra according to local sources –  though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the regime. According to Syrian Newsdesk more than fifteen Russian and regime warplane raids in the Kafr Hamra area resulted in the death of a family

Summary

First published
May 27, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
(3 children1 woman)
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
Unknown, Syrian Regime
Named victims
6 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 17, 2017

Incident Code

RS2737

LOCATION

حرستا, Harasta, Damascus, Syria

As many as seven civilians were killed and dozens more were wounded in air and artillery strikes on Harasta, according to local media. Sources blamed both Russian warplanes and Syrian regime artillery shelling for the strikes. One source reported that “missile targeted residential neighbourhoods in the city of Harasta”. Another added that “missiles carrying cluster

Summary

First published
November 17, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 7
(1–5 children1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
5–25
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

May 17, 2019

Incident Code

RS3699

LOCATION

معرة النعمان, Ma’aret Al Nu’man, Idlib, Syria

Seven civilians, including four women and a child, were killed and dozens were injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on a market in the city of Ma’arat Al Numan, Idlib governorate, on May 17th, 2019, according to local sources. Euphrates Post reported that a number of civilians were injured in an airstrike by

Summary

First published
May 17, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
(1 child4 women2 men)
Civilians reported injured
14–24
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
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
7 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS403

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

Seven civilians were killed and 25 others injured when cluster bombs were allegedly fired on Douma, according to the White Helmets and the Shaam News Network. The White Helmets did not say who was responsible for the attack, but reported that “the number of martyrs today in Douma has risen to 4 following the bombing with

Summary

First published
January 16, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
(1 child4 men)
Civilians reported injured
25
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 20, 2019

Incident Code

RS3825

LOCATION

المسطومة, Al Mastouma, Idlib, Syria

As many as 14 civilians were reported killed in airstrikes on Al Mastouma, Idlib governorate, on June 20th, 2019, according to local sources. Up to nine civilians were reportedly wounded. @SyrianCoalition reported “four martyrs, including three children and a woman, as a result of an airstrike by the Assad regime on the town of Al Mastouma

Summary

First published
June 20, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
14
(4 children2 women)
Civilians reported injured
2–9
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
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
14 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS1157

LOCATION

الأتارب, Al Atarib, Aleppo, Syria

Between two and seven civilians died and more were wounded in an alleged Russia airstrike on Al Atarib, according to local media – though a number of sources didn’t identify the warplanes responsible. Multiple reports said that a child died. Youn7 said that three people were killed including the child. According to Akhbaralaan, “seven civilians

Summary

First published
August 16, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 7
(1 child)
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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 20, 2016

Incident Code

RS1647

LOCATION

ادلب, Idlib, Syria

Local sources reported that up to seven civilians, including up to two children, were killed and several were injured by alleged Russian airstrikes targeting a battery factory in Idlib. Several sources reported how warplanes struck a battery factory in Idlib, causing its complete destruction. Between one and seven civilians were reportedly killed, two of them identified

Summary

First published
November 20, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 7
(1–2 children2 men)
Civilians reported injured
2–4
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

December 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS1749

LOCATION

البوابية, Al Bawabiya, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Between two and seven civilians were killed, and many others were wounded, in a continuous bombardment on Al Bawabiya, Aleppo. Sources are however, were conflicted as to who was to blame. Some attribute the blame to Russian warplanes, and others to the Syrian regime. One source blames both belligerents. Syrianpc reported that the raid was both

Summary

First published
December 6, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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
View Incident

Incident date

February 3, 2017

Incident Code

RS1878

LOCATION

ميادين, Al-Mayadeen, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Up to seven civilians were killed and 28 injured in an alleged Russian airstrike on Al-Mayadeen, in the countryside of Deir Ezzor, according to local media. The source Sharqiya Voice reported: “Russian MOD says that five planes targeted IS positions in al Mayadeen. The Sharqiya correspondent confirmed that the areas targeted were civilian with no

Summary

First published
February 3, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 7
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
6–28
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

June 15, 2017

Incident Code

RS2285 CS1005

LOCATION

السيد عايد, Al-Sayed Alyed in Hatla village, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between two and seven civilians were killed, and an unspecific number of others were wounded, following the bombing by military aircraft on Al-Sayed Alyed. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. Some attributed blame to the Syrian regime, while others blamed Russia. Many sources also reported on “military aircraft” thus, not attributing any

Summary

First published
June 15, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 7
(4 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, US-led Coalition
Named victims
8 named, 2 families identified
View Incident