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

August 16, 2017

Incident Code

CS1378 RS2389

LOCATION

صبيخان, Subikhan, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Local sources said that up to six civilians were killed and up to ten more wounded in airstrikes on the town of Subikhan in the countryside of Eastern Deir Ezzor. It was unclear which party was culpable for this civilian casualty event. At present, two out of sixteen sources hold the US-led Coalition responsible, two

Summary

First published
August 16, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 6
Civilians reported injured
2–10
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, Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 22, 2016

Incident Code

RS1185

LOCATION

الأنصاري, Al Ansari (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Local media reported that between two and six civilians died in an alleged Russian airstrike on the Al Ansari neighbourhood of Aleppo. The lowest death count was given by the Syrian Network for Human Rights – at two non-combatants. However, all other sources said that six civilians died. The majority of the reports blamed Russia,

Summary

First published
August 22, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 6
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

October 1, 2016

Incident Code

RS1379

LOCATION

الفرجة, al Farjeh, Idlib, Syria

Between four and six civilians including three children and several women died and up to 20 more were wounded in airstrikes on the al-Farej camp outside of Idlib, according to local media – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. Qasioun and Syrian Network for Human Rights attributed

Summary

First published
October 1, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 6
(3 children1–2 women)
Civilians reported injured
2–20
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
Geolocation
Village
View Incident

Incident date

December 28, 2017

Incident Code

RS2822

LOCATION

المشيرفة, Mushrifah, Idlib, Syria

A mother and between three and five children were killed in airstrikes which “targeted” their home in Mushrifah, local media reported. Sources were conflicted as to who was responsible, with some attributing blame to Moscow, while others pointed to the Syrian regime. Manahi Al Ahmad reported that the victims died as a result of “targeting

Summary

First published
December 28, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 6
(3–5 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
7 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 28, 2015

Incident Code

RS206

LOCATION

الصورة, Sawara, Daraa, Syria

Up to six non-combatants including three children were reported killed and many injured in an alleged Russian (or possibly Assad regime) airstrike on Sawara, according to multiple sources. Shaam News Network reported that five civilians (including three children) died in the attack, and that “a large number” were wounded. According to the Syrian Network for

Summary

First published
November 28, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
(3 children3 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, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS591

LOCATION

ضهرة عبد ربه, Dara abd Rabbo, Aleppo, Syria

Six civilians were killed and three others injured in alleged Russian strikes on Dara abd Rabbo, according to local sources. The White Helmets reported that Russian warplanes carried out four raids, while the Shaam News Network also alleged this was a Russian strike.

Summary

First published
February 10, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
Civilians reported injured
3
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

August 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS1132

LOCATION

منطقة المتحف وسوق الهال, Souq al Hal, Raqqa, Syria

Between four and six civilians died and as many as dozens more were wounded in airstrikes on Souq al-Hal near the town of Orme al-Kubra, according to local media – though it was unclear whether Russia or the regime were responsible for the casualties. The Smart News Agency and All4syria for among sources blaming Russia.

Summary

First published
August 12, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 6
(2 men)
Civilians reported injured
10–24
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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 15, 2016

Incident Code

RS1456

LOCATION

اللطامنة, Ltamenah, Hama, Syria

Five or six civilians civilians including a 20-day-old girl and a boy aged six months died and dozens more were wounded in an airstrike and/or artillery strike on a medical centre in Al Latamna, according to sources on the ground. The majority of reports blamed Russia, though two pointed to the Assad regime. Victims reportedly

Summary

First published
October 15, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 6
(2 children2 women1 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
5 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 18, 2016

Incident Code

RS1625

LOCATION

حي الصاخور, Al Sakhour, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Four to six civilians were killed, and up to 24 were wounded in alleged air and artillery strikes on Al Sakhour, Aleppo. Some sources attributed blame to Russian warplanes, while others blamed the Syrian regime. However, one source blamed both belligerents for this airstrike. There was confusion among sources as to the type of bomb used

Summary

First published
November 18, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 6
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 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

May 4, 2018

Incident Code

RS3425

LOCATION

قرية النقير, Al Naqir, Idlib, Syria

The village of Al Naqir in Idlib Governorate was hit by airstrikes on May 4th 2018, killing between four and six civilians, and wounding between two and 24 others, local media reported. The list of casualties included women and children. Sources said that Russian forces were likely responsible for the strikes. The Syrian Network for

Summary

First published
May 4, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 6
(1–2 children1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2–24
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
Unknown
Named victims
4 named
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

February 22, 2018

Incident Code

RS3061

LOCATION

عين ترما, Ain Tarma, Damascus, Syria

Aerial shelling of Ain Tarma, Damascus, carried out by Russian and/or Assad regime, killed up to six civilians and wounded at least three children, local media reported. As shelling of eastern Ghouta continued on its fifth day, sources reported about both airstrikes and the launch of explosive barrels in Ain Tarma, especially striking residential areas.

Summary

First published
February 22, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 6
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
View Incident

Incident date

July 19, 2016

Incident Code

RS1020

LOCATION

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

What has been described as a ‘bombardment’ on Bab al Nairab reportedly killed six civilians, including an unborn child. – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Assad regime were to blame. Qasioun filmed as an explosive barrel was thrown on the neighbourhood, which is also located very close to an airport.

Summary

First published
July 19, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
(3 children2 men)
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

March 24, 2017

Incident Code

CS614 RS2025

LOCATION

Ma'ari school, Bado neighbourhood, Raqqa, Raqqa, Syria

Up to six civilians including two children and two women died, and as many as five civilians were wounded, in an airstrike on the Bado neighbourhood of Raqqa, according to local media, though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of the US led Coalition or Russian warplanes. Palmyra Media Center reported

Summary

First published
March 24, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 6
(1–2 children1–2 women)
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
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 29, 2017

Incident Code

CS1296

LOCATION

البوكمال, Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Six civilians died and 10 more were wounded in airstrikes on Abu Kamal, according to local sources. While the majority of reports blamed the US-led Coalition for the airstrikes, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that it was unclear whether the Coalition or Russia were responsible. The Coalition later confirmed having unintentionally killed three

Summary

First published
July 29, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
(3 children2–3 women)
Civilians reported injured
10
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
6 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS1435

LOCATION

كفرلاها, Kafr Laha, Homs, Syria

Five or six civilians were reported killed in air and artillery strikes on Kafr Laha, according to sources on the ground. All but one source blamed the regime for this incident, though the Shaam News Network said that “Russian and Assad warplanes” launched strikes on areas of Homs including Kafr Laha. Al Jazeera put the

Summary

First published
October 12, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 6
(2 children3 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
Named victims
5 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 20, 2017

Incident Code

RS2475

LOCATION

جرجناز, Jarjanaz, Idlib, Syria

A mother and four children were killed in their home as alleged Russian or Syrian regime forces struck the town of Jarjanaz. The death of a sixth civilian was also reported. Those killed included the woman’s grandson, according to local sources. At least five others were injured. Three “space rockets” hit the town through the

Summary

First published
September 20, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 6
(1–4 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
5–7
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

October 30, 2017

Incident Code

CS1652 RS2663

LOCATION

السوسة, Al Soussa town, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A family of up to six civilians died in airstrikes on Al Soussa town, according to local media. While most sources said that Russia was to blame, two alleged that the Coalition was responsible. One other source pointed towards the Syrian regime. The majority of sources (Al Latamna Youth Gathering, Al Jisr, Baladi, Eldorar, Step

Summary

First published
October 30, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 6
(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
US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

August 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS1090

LOCATION

ﺣﻠﺐ, Aleppo, Syria

Between three and six civilians died in an alleged Russia or Syrian regime airstrike on Aleppo city, according to local media. According to multiple sources, a convoy carrying humanitarian aid to Aleppo was struck. LCCSY reported that “the rebels have made new progress today [Aug 3rd], gaining control of positions in the Aleppo countryside, while

Summary

First published
August 3, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 6
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

September 19, 2016

Incident Code

RS1284

LOCATION

حي السكري, Sukkari (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Local media reported between five and six dead from airstrikes in the neighbourhood of al Sukkari, Aleppo. Five fatalities were identified by name by both Halab News and Syria2011 News. In addition, both sources claimed a sixth death, of an anonymous, 35-year-old individual. Most sources agreed that Russian warplanes were responsible. For example, LCCSY tweeted

Summary

First published
September 19, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 6
(2 women3–4 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
5 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS1769

LOCATION

ساحة بزة , Bazza Square, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Six civilians from one family (a man, his wife and their four sons) died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Aleppo’s  Bazza square, according to local media. The victims, from the Walid Khasim family, were named by Halab News and the Violations Documentation Center. Both of these sources attributed the deaths to Russia.

Summary

First published
December 6, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
(4 children1 woman1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
6 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 13, 2017

Incident Code

RS1832

LOCATION

اورم الجوز, Orm Al Joz, Idlib, Syria

Six civilians were killed – mostly from the same family – and some were injured in an alleged Russian airstrike on Orm Al Joz, local media said. All sources reported that Russian missiles and rockets were to blame for the raid. As many as two female children and two women were reportedly killed in the raid.

Summary

First published
January 13, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 6
(1–3 children1–2 women)
Civilians reported injured
2–5
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
View Incident

Incident date

February 15, 2018

Incident Code

RS3025

LOCATION

ترملا, Tarmala, Idlib, Syria

Up to six civilians, including two Civil Defence members, were killed, and as many as five were wounded as alleged Russian warplanes struck Tarmala, Idlib, local media reported. Smart News Agency, who cited local activists, said that a Russian missile targeted the Civil Defense team as they were approaching a military headquarters in the village

Summary

First published
February 15, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 6
(2 men)
Civilians reported injured
1–5
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

March 12, 2018

Incident Code

RS3246

LOCATION

سقبا, Saqba, Damascus, Syria

Between four and six civilians were killed and an unspecified number more were wounded, due to airstrikes on Saqba, local media reported. Local media blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids. Step News Agency reported that “Russian warplanes launched several air raids with rockets loaded with phosphorus and cluster bombs” were fired

Summary

First published
March 12, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 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

December 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS1759

LOCATION

حي باب الحديد, Bab al Hadid neighbourhood, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Up to six civilians were reportedly killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Bab al Hadid, Aleppo, according to local media. Ayman Watfa, Step News Agency’s correspondent in Aleppo, reported that “six people were killed in the neighbourhood of Bab al Hadid in Russian raids using parachute bombs”. Halab News, who placed the death toll

Summary

First published
December 6, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 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
View Incident

Incident date

March 9, 2017

Incident Code

RS1950

LOCATION

مسكنة, Maskanah, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

A single source reported that six civilians were killed and 13 others were injured following an alleged Russian raid on Maskanah, Aleppo. The source alleged that the victims arrived at Raqqa National Hospital following the aerial bombardment of the vicinity.  There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
March 9, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
Civilians reported injured
13
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

April 11, 2017

Incident Code

RS2117

LOCATION

بداما , Bdama, Idlib, Syria

Between two and six civilians including a child died and up to eight more were wounded in an alleged Russia airstrike on the road between Bdama and Hambushiyah in the countryside of Idlib, according to local media. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, “a child and a man were killed and eight others were injured

Summary

First published
April 11, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 6
(1 child1–5 men)
Civilians reported injured
3–8
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

May 7, 2019

Incident Code

RS3673

LOCATION

كفرزيتا, Kafar Zeita, Hama, Syria

A civilian and his pregnant wife were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Kafar Zeita, Hama governorate, on May 7th, 2019, according to local media. Several sources reported the death of two civilians, named as Zaid Mahmoud Al Rajou and his wife Laila Al Rajou. According to the Syrian Press Centre, Laila was five months

Summary

First published
May 7, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 woman1 man)
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
Unknown
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 21, 2015

Incident Code

RS186

LOCATION

حي القصيلة, Qosaileh, Aleppo, Syria

Between four and six non-combatants, including two or more children, were reported killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Qosaileh, according to The White Helmets and the Violations Documentation Center. The Halab News Network posted a video showing the destruction of houses and other buildings, as a team of White Helmets searched for survivors. VDC has

Summary

First published
November 21, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 6
(2–3 children2 men)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident