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 4, 2017

Incident Code

RS2676 CS1665B

LOCATION

الباغوز, Al-Baghoz, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between two and six civilians were killed, and some others were wounded, following airstrikes on Al-Baghoz. Local media blamed both the Iraqi Army and Russia – but it is unclear who was to blame. An entire family of six were allegedly killed in the raid. Smart Mews reported that “aircraft likely to be Russian launched

Summary

First published
November 4, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 6
(2–3 children1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, US-led Coalition
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 26, 2017

Incident Code

RS2531

LOCATION

حوير العيس, Hawir al Eis, Aleppo, Syria

As many as six civilians including a woman and an unspecified number of children were killed and at least two others were wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes against the village of Hawir al Eis in the southern suburbs of Aleppo, according to local media. The Smart News Agency did not give an estimate of how

Summary

First published
September 26, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 6
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2–15
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

February 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS589

LOCATION

تلمنس, Talmanas, Idlib, Syria

Six civilians including two children and three women died in airstrikes on Talmanas, according to local sources – though they are conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime, and there is also some confusion on the date of the incident. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that

Summary

First published
February 9, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
(2 children3 women2 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
6 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 8, 2016

Incident Code

RS878

LOCATION

حي ‏المرجة‬, Marjah (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Up to six civilians including two women and two children died and dozens more were injured in raids on the Marja neighborhood of Aleppo, according to local sources – though it is unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that four civilians including two women died

Summary

First published
June 8, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 6
(2 children2 women)
Civilians reported injured
6–24
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 2, 2017

Incident Code

CS1663

LOCATION

باغوز, Al Baghouz, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Four or more civilians died in an airstrike on al Baghouz, according to local media. While most sources pointed towards the Coalition, one said that it was unclear whether Russia had been responsible. The US-led alliance later admitted killing five civilians in the event. According to Al Hal, “Coalition forces also raided al-Bagouz village in

Summary

First published
November 2, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 6
(1 child1 man)
Civilians reported injured
20
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 26, 2017

Incident Code

RS2545

LOCATION

قرية مراط , Mrat village, Deir Ezzor, Syria

At least five civilians, including one woman, were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on the village of Mrat, according to local sources. An unspecified number of other civilians were reported wounded. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, “six citizens including two brothers and a man and his wife died as a result of

Summary

First published
September 26, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 6
(1 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
6 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 30, 2015

Incident Code

RS215

LOCATION

السخنة, As Sukhnah, Homs, Syria

The Violations Documentation Center reported that six civilians, including one female and five children, were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on As Sukhna. Activist Alamawi Omer published what he said was an account of the attack: “This morning at eight thirty in the morning the brutal Russian Air Force threw a barrage of rockets.

Summary

First published
November 30, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
(5 children1 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
6 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 5, 2017

Incident Code

RS2701

LOCATION

فيضة الجب, Faidat Al-Jib, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Six civilians were reportedly killed in airstrikes which struck an IDP camp in Faidat Al-Jib. Sources blamed Russian warplanes, according to local media. Initial reporting suggested two had been killed – a mother and son. Later on local media reported that the toll had reached six. All victims were named by the sources. It was

Summary

First published
November 7, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
(3 children3 women)
Civilians reported injured
13
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, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS889

LOCATION

الحيدرية, Haydariya (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Between one and six civilians died in either an airstrike on artillery bombardment on Haydariya, according to local sources – though it was unclear from reports whether Russia or the Syrian regime was responsible. Reporting on the deaths of civilians in Aleppo from “Russian aircraft and Assad’s helicopters“, the Shaam News Network said that “shelling

Summary

First published
June 11, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 6
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 24, 2016

Incident Code

RS1335

LOCATION

حي باب النيرب, Bab al Nayrab (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Five named civilians from the same family, including three children, died as result of either Russian or Syrian regime airstrike in the Bab Nayrab neighbourhood of Aleppo, according to local media. CNN reported that civilian infrastructure was destroyed in the strike: “As a result of heavy shelling last night, Bab Nayrab station, which provides water

Summary

First published
September 24, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 6
(3 children1 woman1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
5 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS944

LOCATION

تلبيسة, Talbisah, Homs, Syria

According to local sources, up to six civilians died including a child in Talbissa and Ar-Rastan, though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. Elbiseh, Syrian Press Center and StepAgency identified on of the victims. LCCSY attributed the strike to Russia, while the twitter account KkhaledWw pointed to

Summary

First published
June 27, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 6
(1 child1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 8, 2016

Incident Code

RS976

LOCATION

حي الصالحين, Salheen (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

A petrol station was destroyed causing huge fires in Salheen following alleged Russian and Syrian regime warplane shelling, reportedly killing up to six civilians including three children. Burqa Media, LCCSY and local sources reported that Russian warplanes caused the damage to the neighbourhood. But Halab News reported the raids to be conducted by the Syrian

Summary

First published
July 8, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 6
(3 children2 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
Unknown, Syrian Regime
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS1040

LOCATION

سوحا, Souha, Hama, Syria

Six civilians from one family, including a woman and four children, died in an airstrike on Souha in Hama, according to local media. Only one of the two sources (LCCSY), alleged that Russia was to blame. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights referred only to “warplanes”.

Summary

First published
July 23, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
(4 children1 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
View Incident

Incident date

January 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS430

LOCATION

البغيلية, Al Bgailieh, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between two and six civilians died in an airstrike on Al Bgailieh, according to local sources – though only one source alleged that Russia was responsible. Step News Agency Tweeted that Russian strikes had hit Al Bgailieh. According to the Syria News Network, members of Daesh were “killed and wounded following clashes with the Syrian

Summary

First published
January 21, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 6
(2 men)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 22, 2016

Incident Code

RS654

LOCATION

حتلا, Hatla, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between two and six civilians including one or two children and one woman died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Hatla, according to multiple local sources – with some reporting that all six victims were from the same family. According to Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently, Russian warplanes carried out two raids. LCCSY put

Summary

First published
February 22, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 6
(1–2 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
6
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 20, 2018

Incident Code

RS3045

LOCATION

عين ترما, Ain Tarma, Damascus, Syria

At least three civilians were killed and up to dozens were left wounded as Ain Tarma, eastern Ghouta, Damascus, was struck by airstrikes, local media reported, who, however, were unclear whether to blame Russia or the Syrian regime – or both. As depicted on footage from the scene, the airstrikes hit residential areas and left

Summary

First published
February 20, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 6
(4 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 11, 2019

Incident Code

RS3892

LOCATION

جسر الشغور, Jisr Al Shughour, Idlib, Syria

Civilian homes and shops in the Al Shamali neighbourhood of the city of Jisr Al Shaghour, Idlib governorate, were struck by alleged Russian or Syrian missiles in what was described “a massacre”, killing up to eight civilians and wounding at least 14, According to Edlib Media Center, at least three people were killed in the

Summary

First published
July 11, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 8
(1–3 children1 woman4 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 belligerent
Russian Military
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
20 named
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

November 18, 2016

Incident Code

RS1624

LOCATION

مساكن هنانو, Masaken Hanano, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

As many as six civilians – including women and children – suffocated to death, and up to 19 were injured, when an explosive barrel containing poisonous chloride gas struck the residential neighbourhood named Masaken Hanano, Aleppo, local media reported. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame for the alleged chloride attack. Some sources

Summary

First published
November 18, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 6
Civilians reported injured
2–19
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 16, 2017

Incident Code

RS1841

LOCATION

عنيق باجرة , Aneek Bajra village, Hama, Syria

Five or six civilians – a woman and her children – died in an alleged Russia or regime airstrike on Aneek Bajra village in eastern Hama, according to sources on the ground, The Syrian Network for Human Rights was among sources blaming the regime, reporting: “Six civilians (a woman and her five children) died when

Summary

First published
January 16, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 6
(4–5 children1 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
5 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 14, 2018

Incident Code

RS2896

LOCATION

دير شرقي, Deir Sharqi, Idlib, Syria

Six civilians were killed – including four children – and as many as five more were injured when long-range-missiles from a Russian ship struck the vicinity of Deir Sharqi, according to local media. All sources blamed the Russian warship for the raids, expect Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and Syrian Network for Human Rights who

Summary

First published
January 14, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 6
(4 children)
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
View Incident

Incident date

June 24, 2016

Incident Code

RS934

LOCATION

أورم الكبرى, Urma al Kubra, Aleppo, Syria

According to a range of local media reports, between two and six civilians including up to two children and three women were killed and up to 45 civilians were injured in an airstrike on Urma al Kubra. There are conflicting statements as to whether the airstrike was conducted by the Syrian or the Russian regime.

Summary

First published
June 24, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 6
(2 children3 women1 man)
Civilians reported injured
3–45
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

August 8, 2016

Incident Code

RS1110

LOCATION

حي السكري, Sukkari (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Between one and six civilians were killed and between three and four more were injured from an alleged barrel and missile bombing of a market in the neighborhood of Sukkari. Reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or Syrian regime were responsible. While the majority of sources reported deaths and injuries as a result of

Summary

First published
August 8, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 6
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
3–4
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

November 15, 2016

Incident Code

RS1583

LOCATION

حي الفردوس, Al Fardos, Aleppo, Syria

Between two and six civilians died in suspected Russian or Syrian regime air and/or artillery strikes on Al Fardos, Aleppo. Reporting contained discrepencies regarding the toll, the culprit and the munitions used. Spm-Syria suspected the regime responsible for strikes on Al Fardos, however, it reported no civilian casualties. 7al reported “warplanes later bombed al-Firdous neighborhood

Summary

First published
November 15, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 6
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
0–15
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

September 11, 2017

Incident Code

RS2425

LOCATION

الخريطة , Al-Kharita, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Four to six civilians were killed and several others were injured in an ‘aerial bombardment’ on the town of al-Kharita in Deir Ezzor Governorate on September 11th 2017. Sources claimed warplanes belonging either to Russian forces or the Syrian regime conducted these air raids on a camp for internally displaced people that was set up

Summary

First published
September 11, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 6
(0–3 children0–3 women)
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
6 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 10, 2015

Incident Code

RS034

LOCATION

التمانعة, Al Tamani'ah, Idlib, Syria

Up to six civilians from one family, including a child and two women, were reported killed after an alleged Russian airstrike on Al Tamaanah. Two people were injured. The dead were later listed by the Syrian Network for Human Rights. Local media activist Abdul Kader Al Bakri told the Network: “This time we traced a

Summary

First published
October 10, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 6
(1–2 children2 women2 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 belligerents
Unknown, Syrian Regime
Named victims
6 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 21, 2015

Incident Code

RS066

LOCATION

أبو خنادق, Abu al Khanadak, Hama, Syria

Six people were killed – including four women – following an alleged Russian strike on civilian homes at Abu al Khanadak. The dead were later named by VDC. Images obtained by Shaam showed significant damage at the site.  

Summary

First published
October 21, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
(4 women2 men)
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
6 named, 3 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS452

LOCATION

الباب, Al-Bab, Aleppo, Syria

Six civilians including one woman and her five children were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Al Bab, according to local sources. In a news roundup, the Shaam News Network reported that “Russian enemy planes carried out raids on Al Bab, the town of Baza’aa, the village of Qasr al Buraij, and a farm

Summary

First published
January 23, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
(5 children1 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
View Incident

Incident date

February 15, 2016

Incident Code

RS612

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

Six civilians including four children and one woman were killed in airstrikes on Douma, according to local sources – though reports are conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. According to the Shaam News Network, “Russian enemy planes launched dozens of raids on the towns of eastern Ghouta“,

Summary

First published
February 15, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
(4 children1 woman0–1 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
6 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS804

LOCATION

صلاح القرية‬, Salah al Qariya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Five to six civilians including two children and two to three women died in airstrikes on Salah al Qariya area, in Albu Umar according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. LCCSY reported the death of four civilians in what they

Summary

First published
May 21, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 6
(1 child2 women)
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
5 named
View Incident