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

October 18, 2016

Incident Code

RS1477

LOCATION

Al Sabha, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between two and 10 civilians died and several more were wounded in airstrikes on Al Sabha town in Deir Ezzor, according to local media. The majority of sources blamed Russia for the event, though there was also an allegation against the Assad regime. The lowest death count was given as two by LCCSY, who blamed

Summary

First published
October 18, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 10
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

October 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS1509

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

A woman and her unborn child died in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime air or artillery strike on Douma, according to sources on the ground.  According to the Step News Agency, “a woman and her foetus were killed and a number of more people wounded when Russian planes targeted residential areas in Douma Eastern

Summary

First published
October 28, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
(1–2 children1 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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 5, 2016

Incident Code

RS1741

LOCATION

تفتناز , Taftanaz, Idlib, Syria

Local media reported that one or two civilians died in an alleged Russian airstrike with phosphorus and cluster bombs on Taftanaz. The Shaam News Network said that one civilian died, however, Shade2taftanaz reported the death of two women.

Summary

First published
December 5, 2016
Last updated
December 21, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(2 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
Geolocation
Town
View Incident

Incident date

October 4, 2017

Incident Code

CS1580a RS2591

LOCATION

معبر مائي بين هجين و العباس, Water Crossing linking Hajeen with Al A'bbas town, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between ten and 30 civilians were killed, including four named men, and “dozens” more were injured, following a continuation of airstrikes on the river crossing, however this time the crossing linking Hajeen with Al A’bbas town. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. Most sources blamed Russian warplanes for the raids, however others

Summary

First published
October 4, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 30
(4 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
US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
4 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 19, 2020

Incident Code

RS4516

LOCATION

تل واسط, Tal Waset, Idlib, Syria

One man was killed and at least one civilian, a woman, was injured by alleged Russian or regime airstrikes or artillery strikes on the village of Tal Wasit, Hama on July 19th 2020. Syrian Civil Defense reported: “A civilian was killed and a woman was seriously wounded today, Sunday, July 19, by artillery and missile

Summary

First published
July 19, 2020
Last updated
March 1, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
1–2
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
View Incident

Incident date

February 27, 2022

Incident Code

R4442

LOCATION

اّفس, Afes, Idlib, Syria

Up to two civilians were killed and between two and four other civilians were injured in alleged Russian or regime artillery shelling of the town of Afes on February 27, 2022. The Syrian Civil Defense reported that two civilians were killed and two others were injured when the regime forces and Russian forces bombed a

Summary

First published
February 27, 2022
Last updated
March 3, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1–2 men)
Civilians reported injured
2–4
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
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 28, 2022

Incident Code

R4473

LOCATION

ديرسنبل, Deir Sinbol, Idlib, Syria

A child was injured by alleged Russian or Syrian regime thermal missile strikes on a car he was traveling in near Deir Sinbol village on September 28, 2022. According to @SyriaCivilDefe, a child was injured by a thermal missile launched by the Syrian regime and Russian forces at the car he was traveling in with

Summary

First published
September 28, 2022
Last updated
October 20, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
1
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
View Incident

Incident date

April 16, 2023

Incident Code

R4510

LOCATION

الأبزمو, Al Abzimo, Aleppo, Syria

Around midnight on April 16-17th artillery fire wounded five civilians in Al-Abizmo, a town west of Aleppo. The victims consisted of a woman and her four children. Local news agencies were conflicted as to whether the strike confirmed the strike was conducted by the Syrian regime, Russian forces or Iranian militias. A few of the

Summary

First published
April 16, 2023
Last updated
May 22, 2023
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
5
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
View Incident

Incident date

August 22, 2023

Incident Code

R4543

LOCATION

بين بلدتي الشيخ بحر ومعرة مصري, between the towns of Sheikh Baher and Maaret, Misrin, Idlib, Syria

On August 22, 2023, at least four civilians were killed—and up to seven others were injured—in a series of alleged Russian airstrikes between the towns of Sheikh Baher and Maaret Misrin in Idlib, Syria. Sources conflict about the precise number of civilians killed and injured by these strikes. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that

Summary

First published
August 22, 2023
Last updated
September 8, 2023
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian infrastructure
Agriculture, IDP or refugee camp
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
Civilians reported injured
5–7
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
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
Suspected target
Al Qaeda/HTS
Belligerents reported killed
3–6
Belligerents reported injured
4–9
View Incident

Incident date

October 6, 2023

Incident Code

R4580

LOCATION

قرية الشخيب بالقرب من بلدة الزعينية, a poultry farm in the village of Al-Shukhayb near the town of Al-Zeiniyah, west of Idlib, Idlib, Syria

Two females, a 13-year-old and 25-year-old, were wounded and bruised near a poultry farm in the village of Al-Shukhayb near the town of Al-Zeiniyah, west of Idlib, Syria, in an airstrike allegedly carried out by the Russian military and/or Syrian regime forces on Friday, October 6, 2023, around 9:21 in the morning. The airstrike reportedly

Summary

First published
October 6, 2023
Last updated
April 3, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian infrastructure
Agriculture
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
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.
Impact
Food
Impact on services or infrastructure relating to education, health or food supply. See methodology note for details.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

October 1, 2015

Incident Code

RS007

LOCATION

بليون‎, Belyon, Idlib, Syria

Alleged Russian airstrikes on the town of Belyon, near Jabal al Zawiyah in southern Idlib, reportedly killed four civilians including a woman and child. ‘Several others’ were said to have been injured in the attack, some seriously. SN4HR placed the civilian slightly higher at six deaths, noting that “the town is under the control of

Summary

First published
October 1, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 6
(1 child1–2 women)
Civilians reported injured
8
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

October 14, 2015

Incident Code

RS039

LOCATION

حمورية, Hamouriya, Damascus, Syria

A woman was reported killed in Russia’s first confirmed airstrikes in the vicinity of the Syrian capital Damascus, which struck the suburb of Hamouriya.  

Summary

First published
October 14, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
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
1 named
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

October 31, 2015

Incident Code

RS104

LOCATION

الحميدية, Hamidiya (Deir ez-Zor), Deir Ezzor, Syria

Four named civilians were killed in a reported Russian or Assad regime airstrike on Hamidiya. The Violations Documentation Center named the victims, all adult males.    

Summary

First published
October 31, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(4 men)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 10, 2015

Incident Code

RS140

LOCATION

الرحيبة, Al Rahiba, Damascus, Syria

The White Helmets reported that one adult male civilian was killed, and several others injured in an alleged bombing by Russian warplanes. However, the VDC blamed the Assad regime for the death.  

Summary

First published
November 10, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 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
View Incident

Incident date

November 20, 2015

Incident Code

RS172

LOCATION

الناجية, Najieh, Idlib, Syria

Up to four children were reported killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Najieh, according to the Violations Documentation Center. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said two children died. the Violations Documentation Center (VDC) named two children victims of the strike and another two as unidentified.

Summary

First published
November 20, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
(2–4 children)
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
Unknown
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 28, 2015

Incident Code

RS205

LOCATION

بانص, Banis, Aleppo, Syria

Seven to eight civilians were reported killed, including two women and four children, and at least people 20 injured in an alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrike on Bansh, according to the Shaam News Network and the Syrian Network for Human Rights. Shaam posted a video depicting the aftermath of the alleged attack, stating that

Summary

First published
November 28, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 8
(4 children2 women1 man)
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, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 7, 2015

Incident Code

RS238

LOCATION

الناجية, Najieh, Idlib, Syria

Three related civilians including two women were killed in a pair of airstrikes on Najieh village, according to the Violations Documentation Centre and the Syrian Network for Human Rights. One source claimed an additional two people died. The Syrian Network blamed the regime for the attack, while the VDC and Idlib Civil Defence said the

Summary

First published
December 7, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 5
(2 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
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 12, 2015

Incident Code

RS270

LOCATION

سقبا, Sakba, Damascus, Syria

Between four and five non-combatants were killed in airstrikes on Sakba, according to multiple sources. The Shaam News Network reported that two civilians died in two alleged Russian strikes on the town. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported unspecified losses also due to alleged Russian attacks. However, footage of the attack from two separate

Summary

First published
December 12, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
20–50
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 22, 2015

Incident Code

RS303

LOCATION

تفتناز, Taftanaz, Idlib, Syria

One adult male civilian, Mudar Abdulhameed Ezz, was listed killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Taftanaz, according to the Violations Documentation Center. In fact Mr Ezz lived in Taftanez but died in a December 20th airstrike on Idlib, with his body recovered from the ruins of the courthouse two days later.  

Summary

First published
December 22, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 31, 2015

Incident Code

RS335

LOCATION

مخيم عابدين للنازحين, A'bedeen camp for IDPs, Idlib, Syria

Five civilians were killed and 20 wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on A’bedeen camp for displaced people, according to the Shaam News Network. The White Helmets told SNN that the shelling hit a large number of tents, scattering their contents across the site. They added that firefighters and ambulance teams attended the scene and

Summary

First published
December 31, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(1 man)
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS367

LOCATION

حوش الصالحية, Al Hoash, Damascus, Syria

Four to five civilians were killed – and many wounded – in alleged Russian airstrikes on the town of Al Hoash Al Salhiya, according to the Shaam News Network. SNN referred to the incident as “a new massacre to be added to the series of daily massacres committed by the Russian aggression in the cities and towns of

Summary

First published
January 11, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(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
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS399

LOCATION

حيان, Hayyan, Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians were reported killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Hayyan, according to the Shaam News Network. SNN said that 10 civilians were killed in airstrikes on the cities and towns of the northern countryside of Aleppo since Saturday morning: four in Ma’arsta al-Khan, two in Hayyan, two in Tal Rifaat and two in Tamoura, in addition to dozens wounded.

Summary

First published
January 16, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 woman)
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, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS431

LOCATION

محيميدة, Mahimideh, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One adult male was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Mahimideh according to local sources. Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently reported that a Russian raid destroyed a house and that there were “many injuries“, though deaths were not mentioned. According to ANA Press, Russia warplanes “stepped up raids on the western countryside of

Summary

First published
January 21, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 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

January 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS465

LOCATION

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

One adult male civilian, died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Deir-ez Zor, according to the Violations Documentation Centre and the Syrian Network for Human Rights.  

Summary

First published
January 26, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 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

January 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS497

LOCATION

مارع, Mare', Aleppo, Syria

Five civilians including two children were killed and up to 40 injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on Mare’, according to local sources. According to the White Helmets, the town was targeted with four cluster bombs and then with two vacuum missiles, resulting in the death of three and the injury of 15 others, “most of them

Summary

First published
January 29, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(2 children1 woman2 men)
Civilians reported injured
15–40
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, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS533

LOCATION

تلبيسة, Talbisah, Homs, Syria

The Violations Documentation Center named one child, Isra Rabei Yehya, age 16, as killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Talbiseh. Talbisa posted a video depicting her funeral, but did not say who was responsible, with the speaker in the video referring only to “manic bombing by warplanes“. The Damascus Center for Human Rights Studies

Summary

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

Incident date

February 8, 2016

Incident Code

RS566

LOCATION

الصالحين, Salheen (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Between 10 and 20 civilians including four to five children and three women were killed – and between 20 and 30 others injured – in alleged Russian airstrikes on Salheen according to local sources. Shaam News Network initially reported that Russian warplanes “carried out a massacre” in the Salheen neighbourhood, killing 10 civilians and injuring

Summary

First published
February 8, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 20
(4–5 children3 women2 men)
Civilians reported injured
20–30
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
Named victims
9 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS599

LOCATION

الدار الكبيره, Dayr al Kabira, Homs, Syria

Two civilians including one woman were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Dayr al Kabira, according to two local sources. Shaam News Network reported on the incident in Al Ghantu (listed above) and added that “The town of Al Dar al Kabir suffered a similar air raid which led to the fall of two

Summary

First published
February 12, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 17, 2016

Incident Code

RS631 CS176a

LOCATION

تل الجاير, Al Jayer, Al Hassakah, Syria

An airstrike targeted a local taxi bus killing between ten and 15 civilians including up to seven children according to sources – although there was disagreement over whether the Coalition or Russia was responsible. According to the Hassakah Youth Movement, “the Hyundai belongs to Hussein Morei Al Atiya [who died in the attack]. Mr Atiya

Summary

First published
February 17, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 15
(2–7 children4 men)
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
Unknown, US-led Coalition
Named victims
6 named
View Incident